Family (2024 film)

Family is an Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed, written and edited by Don Palathara and co-written by Sherin Chatherine. The film premiered at the 52nd International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR) on 28 January 2023. The film was also screened at 14th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2023. The film is produced by Sanita Chittilappilly and Anto Chittilappilly through their production company Newton Cinema. It features Vinay Forrt, Divya Prabha, Abhija Sivakala, Nilja K Baby and Mathew Thomas in pivotal roles.

Plot
Sony, a Catholic man in his late twenties from rural central Kerala, comes across as a do-gooder and a well-wisher at the first glimpse. However, lurking behind his public persona is a different character. Even as some of his family members become aware of his deeds, they are silenced by the system, which mindfully and actively protects men, their delinquencies, and secrets. The family thus becomes a sturdy closet, where skeletons of the past are kept unknown and unseen by the world outside. The film tries to understand how the family system operates like the mafia when it comes to the crimes from within.

Release
The film was premiered at the 52nd International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR) in January 2023. Family was also screened at 14th Bengaluru International Film Festival. It has also been selected as one among the five contenders for the Young Jury Prize at the 68th edition of the prestigious Cork International Film Festival in Ireland.

Family was also been chosen as one of the two Malayalam films in the International Competition section for the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), held in December 2023. .Family is also among the Top-10 Indian films curated by FIPRESCI India Grand Prix 2023.

The Film was theatrically released on 22 February 2024.

Reception
Since its premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Family has enjoyed sold-out screenings and immediate acclaim from audiences and media worldwide. It was hailed as a riveting exposé, skillfully crafted with a thought-provoking and provocative filmmaking style by director Don Palathara.