Chalana began as a cultural initiative dedicated to nurturing creative expression, critical thinking, and artistic engagement in Muvattupuzha, Kerala. Founded by Mr. Ginu George in 1998, Chalana became the first film society in Muvattupuzha in the year 2000, and was formally registered with the Societies Registrar, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the Federation of Film Societies of India.
Beyond cinema, Chalana also contributed to the region’s literary landscape through its magazine Ezuthu—meaning “writing.” Ezuthu provided a platform for emerging voices in literature, criticism, and culture, encouraging local writers, students, and thinkers to experiment with storytelling, poetry, and reflective essays. Together, the film society and the magazine created a vibrant creative community that valued artistic curiosity and intellectual dialogue.
Building on this cultural foundation, Chalana launched the Chalana International Film Festival (CIFF) in 2001. The festival brought world cinema to Muvattupuzha at a time when access to international films was extremely limited. The debut edition opened with the Tibetan film The Cup and featured 20 carefully curated films across four days, conducted by Chalana Film Society.
In the years that followed, CIFF expanded its reach through themed editions, community screenings, and partnerships:
The debut edition opened with the Tibetan film The Cup and featured 20 carefully curated films across four days
Conducted with the Muvattupuzha Press Club; the festival opened at the Muvattupuzha Municipal Park with 800+ film enthusiasts and featured 16 films centred on Family & Love.
Held at Perumbalam Island in Alleppey with regional arts communities, showcasing international films including No Man’s Land.
Themed War & Peace and dedicated to Ali Ismail Abbas of Iraq; inaugurated with Kandahar and featuring impactful documentaries like Godse.
Conducted with the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, celebrating 100 years of Malayalam and Indian cinema with 18 curated works.
Beyond screenings, CIFF hosted filmmaker workshops, seminars, discussion forums, and outreach activities in rural and urban communities, bringing meaningful cinema to audiences often overlooked in mainstream film circuits.
Today, Chalana is merged with SYNE Foundation. But we’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the Chalana Film Society, the Chalana International Film Festival, submissions, collaborations, or volunteering opportunities, feel free to reach out.
Stay connected with updates on our SYNE Film Festivals, screenings, workshops, and publications.
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