Deadly landslides kill over 50 in Kerala’s Wayanad district: IDSFFK cancels events in mourning

As a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the disaster, the organisers of the 16th IDSFFK have decided to suspend all official events.

The 16th edition of IDSFFK began in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram on July 26 and was scheduled to conclude on July 31. (Image: IFFK Official/Facebook)

As torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in the state of Kerala, over 50 people have been killed and several more are feared missing following massive landslides in the Meppadi region of Wayanad district on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the disaster, the organisers of the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) have decided to suspend all official events. This means that scheduled activities such as seminars, Meet the Director sessions, Face-to-face discussions and In Conversation events have been cancelled. However, film screenings will still take place as planned, but awards will be presented to winners without an official ceremony.

Watch | In Wayanad, houses, roads and vehicles washed away amid landslide; several feared trapped

The IDSFFK is organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy for the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, as part of its effort to promote a vibrant documentary and short film movement. The 16th edition of the festival began in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram on July 26 and was scheduled to conclude on July 31 with a closing ceremony, followed by the screening of award-winning films.

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In the non-fiction category, the jury comprised filmmaker Rakesh Sharma (chairperson), film editor Jabeen Merchant, and filmmaker Pankaj Rishi Kumar. The fiction category jury included screenwriter-documentary filmmaker Urmi Juvekar (chairperson), along with filmmakers Pushpendra Singh and Krishand RK.

While a major rescue effort has been mobilised in Wayanad, rescuers have found it challenging to reach some of the hardest-hit areas that have been cut off by the landslides. The Chief Minister’s Office has announced that two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters will depart for Wayanad from Sulur in Coimbatore. Additionally, two battalions of the Army’s Defence Security Corps have been deployed to Wayanad from Kannur.

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