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Kerala Film Market Selects International Projects, Strengthening Global Cinema Ties The Kerala Film Market (KFM) has taken a significant step forward in positioning Kerala as an emerging hub for global cinema by selecting a diverse slate of international film projects for its latest edition. Organised alongside the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), the Film Market aims to create meaningful connections between filmmakers, producers, financiers, distributors, and festival programmers from across the world. This year’s selection process drew strong interest from filmmakers worldwide, with submissions received from multiple countries across Asia, Europe, and Australia. After a careful evaluation, a limited number of projects were chosen for the Project Market, representing a wide range of genres, languages, and storytelling styles. The selected projects include cross-border collaborations, independent narratives, and culturally rooted stories with strong international appeal, highlighting the market’s emphasis on artistic quality and global relevance. One of the key highlights of the Kerala Film Market is its project pitching platform, where filmmakers present their ideas directly to international producers and investors. These pitching sessions offer creators valuable opportunities to secure co-production deals, funding support, and global distribution partnerships. Industry experts have noted that such platforms are crucial for independent filmmakers, especially those seeking to take regional stories to international audiences. In addition to the main project selections, the Film Market introduced a curated video library and “Curator’s Pick” section, showcasing films at various stages of development. This initiative allows distributors and festival programmers to discover promising content beyond the pitching sessions, further expanding opportunities for selected filmmakers. The inclusion of documentaries, fiction features, and experimental works reflects the market’s inclusive and forward-looking approach. The Kerala Film Market also hosted industry discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, bringing together experienced professionals from the global film ecosystem. These interactions focused on topics such as international co-production models, film financing strategies, festival circuits, and the evolving role of streaming platforms. Such knowledge-sharing sessions have been widely appreciated for helping emerging filmmakers better understand the global film business. Officials associated with the event have emphasized that the Film Market is not only about business but also about cultural exchange and storytelling collaboration. By encouraging partnerships between Indian and international creators, the initiative supports fresh perspectives and helps regional cinema reach wider audiences without losing its cultural identity. The growing scale and ambition of the Kerala Film Market signal a broader transformation in Kerala’s film ecosystem. With consistent support, international participation, and a focus on quality storytelling, the market is steadily establishing itself as an important gateway for global cinema engagement. For Malayalam cinema and independent filmmakers across India, the Kerala Film Market represents a promising platform to connect local stories with the global stage.

Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse OTT Release Confirmed After months of anticipation, the Malayalam mystery-comedy thriller Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse is finally set for its digital premiere, giving the film a second life beyond theatres. Starring veteran actor Mammootty in the lead, the movie will begin streaming on ZEE5 from December 19, 2025, nearly eleven months after its theatrical release. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon in his Malayalam directorial debut, the film generated significant curiosity even before its release due to the unusual collaboration and genre combination. Despite a moderate response at the box office, the film attracted attention for its concept, performances, and narrative style, leading many to believe it would find a stronger audience on OTT platforms. In the film, Mammootty plays Dominic, a former police officer who now runs a private detective agency. The storyline begins with a seemingly simple task — tracing the owner of a lost ladies’ purse — but gradually unfolds into a layered mystery involving missing individuals, hidden motives, and unexpected revelations. The film blends investigation, humor, and emotional undertones, staying true to Gautham Menon’s signature storytelling while adapting to Malayalam sensibilities. The supporting cast includes Gokul Suresh, Sushmitha Bhat, Viji Venkatesh, Siddique, Vineeth, and Vijay Babu, all of whom contribute to the film’s ensemble-driven narrative. Mammootty’s restrained and grounded portrayal of Dominic has been widely appreciated, especially by viewers who enjoy character-oriented thrillers rather than high-octane action. With its OTT release confirmed, audiences who missed the film in theatres now have an opportunity to experience it at home. Industry observers believe the film’s conversational tone, mystery elements, and episodic feel make it well-suited for digital viewing, where content often finds renewed appreciation through word of mouth. The OTT release also highlights a growing trend in Malayalam cinema, where films that may not perform strongly at the box office often gain a broader and more diverse audience through streaming platforms. As Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse arrives on OTT, expectations are high that the film will receive fresh attention and a re-evaluation from viewers across regions.