Award-winning artist Parvathy, who plays the lead in Take Off, vice-chairman of Chalachitra Academy Bina Kaul, deputy director of NFAI Kirti Tiwari, director of Althisayangalude Venal Prasanth Vijay and Narayan were present for the function.

Speaking at the function, Parvathy said that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but also a source of generating empathy — a role that regional cinema has been able to accomplish.

Paul said that the year has been a success for Malayalam cinema as it made its presence felt not only at the national stage but also internationally. She added that despite the success, Malayalam films are not showcased much outside the region and hence the festival aims to make regional cinema cross the boundaries and expand its reach beyond the commercial circuit.

Entry to the festival is free for all and seating is available on first-come-first-serve basis.