It was indeed heart-warming to see Ustaad Zakir Hussain going down on his knees in reverence while lighting the lamp at the inaugural ceremony of the 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuramon Friday evening.

At a time when Kerala Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb refuses to light lamps as part of any inaugural function saying that it goes against Islamic teachings, the tabla maestro was seen lost in rapt contemplation amidst all the dignitaries gathered on the dais which included Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

 The 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) which started on Friday will be held for a week. Eminent filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui who spearheaded Iran’s cinematic renaissance has been chosen for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award consisting of a cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs and a citation.

The festival will feature more than 80 foreign films and movies in regional languages across India along with a Restored Classics category featuring some of the cult Indian movies.

Along with the screening, a workshop conducted by three internationally acclaimed technicians too has been planned.

Several internationally acclaimed filmmakers like Martin Sharman, Dobbin, Andrew Baird, Natalie David, Penny Smith, Anne Siebel and Nigel Walters are expected to attend this year’s festival.