In front of a packed crowd at the IFFK inaugural function, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was all praise for the fest being a voice of the oppressed. Close by stood a woman in a red outfit, capturing each word and conveying those in sign language to the audience, evoking applause. She gussied up

In front of a packed crowd at the IFFK inaugural function, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was all praise for the fest being a voice of the oppressed. Close by stood a woman in a red outfit, capturing each word and conveying those in sign language to the audience, evoking applause. She gussied up

In front of a packed crowd at the IFFK inaugural function, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was all praise for the fest being a voice of the oppressed. Close by stood a woman in a red outfit, capturing each word and conveying those in sign language to the audience, evoking applause. She gussied up

In front of a packed crowd at the IFFK inaugural function, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was all praise for the fest being a voice of the oppressed. Close by stood a woman in a red outfit, capturing each word and conveying those in sign language to the audience, evoking applause. She gussied up the occasion by setting a live example at inclusivity.

The woman, Silvy Maxi Mena, a native of Kottayam, caught everyone’s attention. Minister for film and culture Saji Cherian also took notice and invited her to interpret at the ‘Marakkilorikkalum’ event, honouring legendary actors of Malayalam cinema.
At this year’s IFFK, Silvy introduced live Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation. She initiated discussions with filmmaker and Kerala Cultural Activist Welfare Fund Board Chairman Madhupal and Kerala Chalachithra Academy Secretary C Ajoy to arrange ISL interpretation for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s inaugural speech.
Her efforts have made this year’s International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) one of the most inclusive in its history. Driven by her passion and commitment, Silvy has introduced sign language interpretation at IFFK to ensure that people with hearing disabilities fully partake in the festival experience.
Silvy first noticed the gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at the IFFK event. “When we think of disabilities, we often focus on physical ailments. Facilities like ramps were provided for people with physical disabilities, but the needs of the hearing-impaired community were overlooked,” she said. This inspired her to make a change.
Silvy believes a festival can be truly successful when everyone enjoys it equally. “Some movies don’t have subtitles, forcing people with hearing disabilities to leave the show. If one section of people can’t enjoy the fest, then it’s incomplete. Instead of sympathy, we need to treat them as equals,” she said.

Silvy curated Mudhranadanam, a fusion of Indian dance and ISL, which she performed with her students at the Soorya Festival. Photo: Special arrangement
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Silvy has been a part of IFFK since its inception in 1996. She volunteered in the first edition and worked as a reporter in 2004. Later, inspired by her interactions with the deaf community, she chose a new direction. After completing the Indian Sign Language course certified by the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2019, she began working as an ISL teacher.
“I was inspired by my friends who are hearing impaired and by the news broadcasts on Doordarshan in sign language,” she said. Her work now focuses on bridging the gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired communities.

Beyond teaching sign language, Silvy employs creative approaches to connect with her students. A black belt in karate, she also teaches martial arts to her students. She also curated Mudhranadanam, a fusion of Indian dance and ISL, which she performed with her students at the Soorya Festival. Silvy envisions a fully accessible future for IFFK and beyond. Her plans include adding sign language interpreters to pre-film anchoring sessions, open forums, and other events.
However, sustainability remains a challenge. Silvy currently provides her services voluntarily. However, as she plans to form a team for future festivals, she recognises the need for funding to establish a professional interpreter team. “Interpreters deserve proper remuneration—it’s not just a service; it’s their livelihood as well,” she said.