Kerebete, directed by debutant Rajguru, brings the unique cultural essence of Karnataka’s Malnad region to the global stage at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Screened under the Indian Panorama section, the film immerses viewers in the rich upland fish-hunting practices while addressing profound themes such as caste discrimination and ecological heritage.

Selected from 384 feature film entries, Kerebete marks a significant milestone for Kannada cinema, standing alongside Venkya, another Kannada film by Sagar Puranik, in this year’s prestigious Indian Panorama lineup.

The team behind Kerebete, including lead actor-producer Gowrishankar SRG, debut actor Bindu Shivaram, and director Rajguru, attended the event. They engaged with the audience, offering insights into the making of this deeply rooted narrative that bridges tradition and contemporary issues.

Released on March 15, Kerebete is a village-centric tale produced by Janamana Cinema Institute. The cast includes Gopal Deshpande, Sampath Kumar Harini, and Bindu Gowda, alongside Gowrishankar in the lead role.

The Indian Panorama section at IFFI celebrates cinematic excellence, showcasing 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films selected from hundreds of entries across India.