T’puram: Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC)-produced Malayalam film Victoria has secured a major international distribution deal, with Channel 4 acquiring its linear broadcast and digital streaming rights for England and Ireland.Produced under the state govt’s initiative to support women filmmakers, Victoria is the debut feature of filmmaker, screenwriter and editor Sivarajini. The film premiered at 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Dec 2024.Victoria explores women‘s lived experiences, individual freedom and the social realities that influence their lives. It has since earned recognition at several national and international film festivals, strengthening its position on the global festival circuit.The film has won several major awards, including the FIPRESCI award for best debut director at IFFK 2024, the Golden Goblet award for best actress at Shanghai International Film Festival 2025, Excellence Award at Seoul Women’s Film Festival 2025, best film in the Netpac Asian Select section at Kolkata International Film Festival 2025 and best debut film at Jaffna International Film Festival 2025.The movie has also received awards and special mentions at festivals including Guwahati Asian Film Festival, Waterfront Indie Film Festival, International Film Festival of Thrissur, Irinjalakuda Film Society and International Experimental and Independent Film Festival.It was officially selected for several international festivals, including Indie Meme Film Festival in Austin, Texas, Malaysia International Film Festival, Women Make Waves in Taiwan, Adelaide Film Festival and Dharamshala International Film Festival.The Channel 4 deal is expected to give Victoria wider exposure among audiences in England and Ireland and further strengthen the international presence of Malayalam cinema.The film’s journey from its IFFK premiere to winning multiple international awards and securing an overseas broadcast and streaming deal is also being seen as a significant achievement for the state govt’s initiative to promote women filmmakers and provide institutional support for their work.
