More than 200 movies from as many as 53 countries will be screened during the festival that will be held until 14th of this month. Of the few south Indian movies screened, prominent ones are the Satyaraj starrer Periyar, Mohanlal starrer Paradesi, and the Adoor Gopalakrishnan directed Naalu Penungal that has come in for critical acclaim owing to its commendable plot that focuses on the life of four women.

Addressing the crowd, Kamal stated that his learning of cinema as an art begun in Kerala. “I am honored to be part of this international festival and believe that such festivals encourage rare talent,” he further added.

Eminent personalities like singer S Janaki and actor K R Vijaya were honored with special awards acknowledging their contribution to the world of cinema. Opening day of the festival witnessed the screening of the Iranian film ‘Buddha collapsed out of shame’. At the end of the festival, one film, among the 14 films that are participating in the contest category, will be honored with a gold medal and a cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs.

As reported by us earlier, the Fifth International film festival will be held in Chennai from 14th to 23rd December 2007.