Kochi: The second MACTA–Rajagiri International Film Festival, jointly organised by MACTA and Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, commenced at the college auditorium with filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph inaugurating the three-day event.
Addressing students, Jude Anthany Joseph said that passion and knowledge acquired through one’s own efforts could never be taken away. He urged them to turn criticism into motivation and described film festivals as valuable opportunities to experience cinema through diverse perspectives. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ajish Puthussery CMI, Director of Rajagiri College. Filmmaker and actor Madhupal, MACTA Chairman Joshy Mathew, General Secretary Sreekumar Arookutty, Principal Dr. Laly Mathew, Festival Convener and Head of the Department of Animation and Graphic Design Renju A.C., and Festival Convener and MACTA Executive Committee Member Babu Pallassery attended the event.
A tribute was paid to late filmmaker and screenwriter John Paul, whose daughter, Jisha John, handed over a collection of books authored by him to MACTA and Rajagiri College. Receiving the collection, Madhupal recalled John Paul’s significant contribution to Malayalam cinema, including films such as Chamaram, and said his work continued to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences.
The opening day also featured a screening of Theatre: The Myth of Reality, followed by an interaction with director Sajjin Babu and actor Rima Kallingal. Sharing their experiences of making the film, the duo discussed the challenges of the shoot and the effort to portray the lives of a mother and daughter surviving in isolation on a remote island.
Besides Theatre: The Myth of Reality, the films Aadi Snehathinte Virunnumesha and Bhoothalam were also screened on the opening day. The festival, which concludes on October 15, is screening films at two venues named after actors Sreenivasan and Salim Kumar. The second day’s lineup includes Nizhalaazham, Chavukalyanam, the documentary Ananthathayilekku, Sheshappukal, the Hindi film Khidki Gaon and Kolahalam.
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