Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 7 (IANS): Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday night inaugurated the 23rd edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) here.

The fete will conclude on December 13.

Inaugurating the event, Vijayan said festivals were the main medium to promote secular ideas and a means to sustain humanity.

"IFFK is a proof of this propagation. Kerala didn't give up in the catastrophic setting of unexpected floods. This year's festival is a testament of the solidarity of cinema lovers," he said.

Bengali filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta was the chief guest and actress and filmmaker Nandita Das was the guest of honour.

Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker and jury chairman Majid Majidi received the Lifetime Achievement award from Vijayan.

Receiving the award, Majidi said: "More than any award and achievement, I would like to cherish the priceless warmth and kindness from the audience."

Following the ceremony, the opening film, "Everybody Knows", directed by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, was screened.