Kerala fest showcases 'Viraamam', documentary on film projectionists

The 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala provided a platform for 'Viraamam', a short documentary that turns its lens on an essential yet frequently unacknowledged profession in cinema. Directed by Malavika VN, the film entered the festival's competitive short documentary section, where it joined other works examining diverse aspects of human experience and culture.

'Viraamam', which translates to 'respite' or 'pause' in Malayalam, takes viewers behind the projection booth to illuminate the lives and work of film projectionists. The documentary captures a niche segment of cinema workers whose technical expertise and dedication have long remained invisible to audiences absorbed in the films themselves.

The festival, held in Kerala, serves as a premier venue for documentary and short film creators across South and Southeast Asia. By featuring works like 'Viraamam' in its competitive categories, the event continues its tradition of championing films that explore underrepresented subjects and marginalized voices within society.

The screening marks another entry point for regional documentarians seeking to bring unconventional narratives to cinematic audiences. As the film industry evolves with digital projection technology, such documentaries provide timely documentation of traditional cinema practices and the people sustaining them.