The devastation caused by the cyclone Ockhi in the coastal regions of Kerala has led to several doubts over the schedule of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
According to sources, the festival is set to carry on with its film screenings as scheduled from the 8-15 December. However, the inaugural ceremony and associated cultural events at the festival have been cancelled.
A source from the festival has said, "22nd International Film Festival of Kerala has not been postponed. But all the cultural programmes and celebrations have been cancelled. The decision has been taken in order to show the deep condolence for the disaster happened to the coastal area community of Trivandrum. Only film screenings will be there and that will happen according to schedule."
The cultural events that were scheduled to take place at the Tagore theatre venue have also been cancelled and festival will commence with the screening of the inaugural film, Ziad Doueiri's The Insult, on 8 December.
The cyclone Ockhi began on 29 November, causing devastation as it moved from the Sri Lankan coast on the Indian Ocean towards the Arabian Sea. The state of Kerala was the worst hit, with over 47 people reported killed and close to a 100 fishermen stranded at sea.
Recovery efforts are being conducted by the coast guard, Indian navy and the armed forces to help rehabilitate those affected by the Grade II cyclone. As of today, the cyclone is moving past the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat further into the Arabian Sea.