International Environmental Film Festival Opens in Irinjalakuda

Speedy Summary

• Actor and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairperson Premkumar inaugurated the second edition of RITHU,an international Environmental Film Festival,at St.Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda.
• Premkumar emphasized the exploitation of nature by humanity and described modern lifestyles as being in contradiction with natural rhythms.He highlighted cinema’s potential to catalyze social reform.
• The opening documentary was Kaad, Kaadar, Onkal, directed by Chennai-based filmmaker Aravind Mohanraj, focusing on the Kadar tribal community’s connection to hornbills in Athirappilly.
• The two-day event will feature screenings of 13 environmental-themed films in multiple languages addressing ecological crises and resilience.
• The festival is jointly organized by Thrissur Chalachitra Kendram,Irinjalakuda Film Society,and Induchoodan Foundation.
• Notable participants included C. Blessy (Principal of St. Joseph’s College),cherian Joseph (Thrissur Chalachitra Kendram chairperson),P.K. Bharathan (Irinjalakuda Film society patron),festival director Lity Chacko,core committee member Nayana M.M., and student representative Gouri Nandakumar.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The RITHU International Environmental Film Festival underscores a growing trend where art becomes a medium for raising awareness about pressing global issues like ecological degradation and environmental resilience. By merging cinema with activism, the festival exemplifies how storytelling can evoke collective reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature.

Premkumar’s remarks during the inauguration highlight an essential dialog on how unsustainable development disrupts Earth’s natural cycles-a subject that resonates not just locally but globally as well. Films such as Kaad, Kaadar, Onkal offer insight into indigenous knowledge systems that frequently enough provide lessons for sustainable living rooted in harmony with ecosystems.

For India specifically-where rapid urbanization and industrial growth have posed challenges to biodiversity-it is significant that platforms like this inspire conversations on environmental justice through culturally relevant narratives. Initiatives like RITHU could play a pivotal role in shaping public consciousness about safeguarding India’s ecological future.

Read More: July 18th 2025 news link