The journey behind 'Swapnaayanam', a tribute to Malayalam cinema

THE 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) opened on December 13 with Swapnaayanam, a signature film that took audiences on a nostalgic journey through the legacy of Malayalam cinema.

- PARVANA K B @T'Puram

The minute-long film is written and directed by Mumbai-based cinematographer K O Akhil, who has captured the very beginning of Kerala's cinematic heritage, the historic notice announcement of Vigathakumaran, the first film in Malayalam that was directed by J C Daniel.

On the inspiration behind the project, Akhil said, "The seed concept was the collective experience of watching a film together. When making a signature film for a festival like IFFK, it should be deeply rooted in history. The idea was to create something that not only paid homage to the beginnings of Malayalam cinema but also highlighted how far we have come. The transformation of cinema spaces - from Capitol Theatre, where Vigathakumaran was screened, to today's modern theatres, was a story worth telling."