New film festival complex may come up at Kowdiar

Thiruvananthapuram: The permanent venue for International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will most probably come up at Kowdiar, said Kamal, chairman of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy. Kamal said that preliminary talks have already been held with the minister for culture A K Balan.
"We have identified 3.5 acres near the Kowdiar Palace. It is the property of revenue department and we need to initiate talks on handing over of the property," Kamal told a news conference held on Monday.The state government has allocated Rs 50 crore in the budget for the project.
Kamal said the academy envisages an income generation model for the festival venue. "There is no point using the complex for IFFK aloneand then keeping it closed for the remaining time. It would result in huge financial liability and hence the idea is to develop the complex with a multi-pronged strategyand create enough business opportunities. Multiplexes, food court and other facilities are planned as part of the project. The income from these sources could be utilized for the future conduct of film festivals as well," he said.
The art and heritage commission has already imposed restrictions on constructions in Kowdiar, which is designated as a 'conservation zone'. When asked about planning a large-scale project in a conservation zone, Kamal said that the matter has already been noted. "We are aware of the heritage nature of the zone. The project will be developed in compliance with the stipulated guidelines," Kamal said.
The guidelines for buildings in conservation zone say that only single-family residential buildings can be permitted. Besides, no underground floor is allowed and total storeys shall not exceed two. The overall height of the building should not exceed nine metres. Exterior walls should be painted with white or off-white colours.Kamal added that a centre for film archives will also be set up in the city. This will be constructed on 2.5 acres at the KINFRA park. Land will be taken on lease for a period of 99 years. The project will be implemented at a total cost of Rs 10 crore.