Filmmakers should turn their cameras to injustice and religious fanaticism, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said.

Inaugurating the 9th International Documentary and Short Film Festival in Thiruvananthapuram, he said injustice to various sections and religious fundamentalism that was surfacing in the society should be highlighted by the filmmakers.

"With the advent of technology, it has become easy for anyone to handle the camera. But the outcome born out of these pursuits should possess the weight of its content and techniques.

"There is a large presence of women in the field of documentary filmmaking and many of their works are of serious in nature. Their presence should be expanded from documentary film making to feature filmmaking. This would bring an end to the large women disparity that has been witnessed the field of filmmaking," Vijayan said.

Noting that the influence of documentary in bringing about pivotal changes in the society was growing, he said people working in the field should take the courage in telling the environmental issues and its hypocrisies.

Kerala has showed an exemplary model in the field of documentary filmmaking, he added.

Minister of Cultural Affairs A K Balan said government would take steps to implement a permanent venue for the film festival.

City Corporation Mayor V K Prasanth revealed the festival bulletin. Cultural Secretary Rani George, Chalachitra Academy Chairman T Rajeevnath, Secretary C R Rajmohan were among those present on the occasion.

A total of 204 films would be screened during the weeklong festival. As many as 81 films are included in the competition in eight categories.