India Kerala State Film Development Corporation is launching the international Kerala film market, a professional industry platform from December 13 to 16 in Thiruvanthapuram which aims to connect regional filmmakers with global co-production and financing opportunities.
The Malayale language cinema, produced in the state of southern India, is known for its realistic narration, its strong literary adaptations and has acquired international recognition through filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the late Shaji N. Karun, and recent commercial successes that mix the sensitivities of the art house with the main call.
The initiative represents an evolution of the Kerala cinema market, which was launched in 2023 as a knowledge sharing forum with panels and masterclasses. More than two editions, the platform has become organic in a networking space where projects have been trained and tranquners’ collaborations formed. The original concept was developed by Karun, Director of Cannes selections “Piravi”, “Swaham” and “Vanaprastham” and former president of KSFDC.
“The Kerala International Film Market marks a leap in the cinematic journey of our state,” said K. Madhu, a veteran filmmaker and president of KSFDC. “IFMK will offer exactly this – a space where ideas meet opportunities and where cinema professionals can engage with the global market on an equal footing.”
IFMK is designed as an integral component of the Kerala International Film Festival, one of India’s most respected festivals. While IFFK celebrates cinema as a cultural force, IFMK adds a commercial dimension focused on co -production, financing and market access.
“With the launch of IFMK, we complete this inheritance by creating an arm of industry which focuses on results – on financing, distribution and professional partnerships,” said Premkumar, actor and president of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, who joins the initiative.
The market will include several key components: a project market to launch it to producers, distributors and festivals; An ending laboratory offering post-production mentoring of international advisers; Industry discussions on production trends and technology; A library video for films looking for a distribution or exhibition at the festival; and the exhibition space for film commissions and service providers.
Leena Khobragade, former director of the Bazaar film, the largest project market in South Asia, is a consultant, providing international industry expertise to the company.
“With IFMK, we create more than an event – we build infrastructure for the growth of long -term industry,” said Priyadarsanan PS, CEO of KSFDC. “This platform will help talent access to global networks, find the right partners and compete with confidence in international markets.”
