MUMBAI: The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, under eminent filmmaker Shaji N Karun, will form a festival directorate for smooth conduct of International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) this year onward.

Announcing the new scheme of things, Kerala minister for cinema K B Ganesh Kumar said: "International Film Festival of Kerala has already earned recognition as one of the best known film festivals. The formation of the directorate would improve its character."

The Academy also formed sub-committees from among general council members for monitoring programmes, administration, hospitality and media and publicity.

The long-term plans of the Academy included setting up of a multiplex along with facilities for staging other art forms in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister said.

The decision was taken in advance to prepare for the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala to be held in December. The Academy‘s National Film Festival would be held at Kothamangalam from 18 March onwards.

An Oscar festival comprising seven films shown at the recent Oscars would be held this month-end in Thiruvananthapuram.