IFFK 2022: Here are 14 must watch films at this years International Film Festival of Kerala

The 26th International Film Festival of Kerala is finally only a day away, and cinephiles and film lovers are in for a treat. One of the most prestigious film festivals in the country, IFFK 2022 begins from March 18 and ends on March 25. With hundreds of films to pick from, it's always difficult to decide which film to watch. With classic films such as Mughal-E-Azam, Taipei Story and Kummatty all set to be screened, the festival also has a great selection of films in the World Cinema and International Competition sections. To make things a little easier for everyone heading out for this year's IFFK, here are some films from the World Cinema and International Competition sections that are a must watch.

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn (World Cinema)

This Romanian romantic comedy follows Emi, a school teacher who has her personal sex tape uploaded in the internet. Winning the Golden Bear at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, the film successfully takes a dig at society, while being funny and effective at the same time. A definite must watch.

I’m You Man (World Cinema)

A German sci-fi romantic comedy drama, I’m Your Man is set in a future where humanoid robots are manufactured to be romantic partners. The film offers some genuine laughs and the setting is a treat. If you love rom-coms, then I’m Your Man is one you don’t want to miss. 

Great Freedom (World Cinema)

Winning the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section, Great Freedom is a drama set in the post World War I era. The story follows a soldier who has been imprisoned for being gay. A testament to the unbreakable human spirit, the film explores subjects such as the effect of incarceration and criminalisation of homosexuality. 

Pebbles (International Competition)

This Indian film, directed by P. S. Vinothraj is titled Koozhangal in Tamil. Winning the Tiger Award at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam, the film follows a young schoolboy who is dragged out from school by his drunk father, who wants to fetch his wife who has left them. This is one journey that you cannot miss. 

The Worst Person in the World (World Cinema)

Directed by Joachim Trier, The Worst Person in the World premiered in competition at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. Easily one of the best films to release last year, this Norwegian dark comedy drama has to be at the top of your must watch films for this year's IFFK. Renate Reinsve, who delivers a stellar performance, also won the Best Actress award at Cannes. 

Brighton 4th (World Cinema)

Brighton 4th is a simple drama, which ends up punching you where it hurts most. The winner of the best picture award at Asian World Film Festival 2021 and three awards at the Tribeca Film Festival 2021, the film follows a former wrestler who moves to Brighton Beach, USA to help out his adult son.

Parallel Mothers (World Cinema)

Parallel Mothers is Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film starring Penélope Cruz and Milena Smit in the lead. This should be all the motivation needed to stand in queue to watch this Spanish drama. The film has everything expected from an Almodóvar film, and also had Cruz win the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. 

Compartment No.6 (World Cinema)

Based on the 2011 novel of the same name, this drama is Juho Kuosmanen. The film, which shared the Grand Prix with Asghar Farhadi's A Hero at Cannes, follows a Finnish student who forms an unlikely friendship with a gruff Russian miner, while on a train journey. 

Memoria (World Cinema)

Apichatpong Weerasethakul returns with another gripping tale that simply has to be experienced in a theatre. Starring Tilda Swinton in the lead, the film has everything a Apichatpong film has, including the trademark attention to detail in sound design. Swinton plays Jessica, a Scottish woman living in Medellín, who is woken up one night by a strange, loud sound. 

Titane (World Cinema)

The winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Titane is Julia Ducournau’s second feature film, and it is one not to be missed. Sticking to the icky, disturbing body horror genre like her first feature film, Raw, Titane takes things to a whole new level. With disturbing visuals, exceptional acting and a never before seen story, Titane is one to experience in theatres. 

Spencer (World Cinema)

Pablo Larraín delivers yet another compelling biography with Spencer. Starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, the film is set around the Christmas holiday celebrations of the royal family at the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. But with Diana wanting to divorce Prince Charles, Christmas turns into anything but fun. Stewart has gained widespread acclaim for her performance and Spencer is yet another cinematic experience.  

Drive My Car (World Cinema)

Premiering at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, Drive My Car is a Japanese road film that won the Best Foreign Language Film at the 79th Golden Globe Awards. The film follows a protagonist who is directing a production of Uncle Vanya, and is also trying to come to terms with the death of his wife. 

A Hero (World Cinema)

Asghar Farhadi can do no wrong, and A Hero is more proof for this. Winning the Grand Prix at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, the film is one of the fan favourites in the festival circuit. With Farhadi exploring and dealing with multiple subjects in the film, the viewers are in for a treat. A Hero was also the closing film at the International Film Festival of India. 

Pedro (World Cinema)

Directed by Natesh Hegde, this Indian film follows a town drunk who by accident kills a cow, kicking into motion a chain of events that makes up the film. Screened at the BFI London Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, Pedro is a Kannada film that is worth the watch.