Every third Sunday, a quiet crowd gathers inside an old hall in Trivandrum, home to one of Kerala’s most passionate cinephile communities. There are no recliners, no popcorn counters; just stories flickering on a white wall. This is the world of Banner Film Society (BFS), one of the oldest film clubs in Trivandrum.
The Banner Film Society
Founded in 2004 by Mr R. Biju, Banner Film Society Trivandrum began screening movies monthly, creating a haven for serious cinema lovers. The first screening took place at Ponnara U.P. School. Over the years, it has grown into a cornerstone of Malayalam film culture and arthouse cinema in Kerala. This tradition continues today. For over 15 years, the film club has hosted screenings at Lenin Balavadi in Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum.
Over the years, BFS has become a meeting ground for artistic and socially relevant films, their viewers, and creators. It has hosted discussions with many significant and lesser-known Indian cinema figures. The society is also a platform for new filmmakers to share ideas and discuss the techniques that bring their visions to life.
Screenings happen every month except December, when the society joins the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) celebrations.
Inside the Screenings
I first heard of BFS through a social media post about screenings of Shakespearean drama movies: Julius Ceaser, Hamlet, and King Lear. I didn’t know I’d become a regular.
The screenings, although they sound grand, are actually quite simple. The audience sits in a dimly lit traditional auditorium with almost no modern amenities. Films project onto a white screen from a laptop across the hall, operated by Mr Emil Biju, son of Mr R Biju. Guests sit on plastic chairs spread all the way to the back. High ceilings hold long fans, and side windows open to the yard, partially covered with cotton curtains. It gives the feel of traditional ‘talkies’. There are no recliners or central AC, even though it’s 2025.
That is the beauty of this setup. People come for the movies, art, and experience. Screenings remain free in 2025. Anyone wishing to support BFS can buy a yearly membership for just Rs 300.
Before each screening, veteran critic M.F. Thomas, a voice in Malayalam cinema since the 70s, addresses the crowd, setting the tone for thoughtful discussions.
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What Makes Banner Film Society Special
BFS has screened films from across the world and from every era, along with regional gems and contemporary Malayalam features. Sometimes, in collaboration with cultural institutes like Alliance de Francaise (promoting the French language) or Goethe Zentrum (promoting the German language), BFS has showcased several socially relevant movies specific to the language.
Another distinctive and loved initiative of BFS is its program titled “My Favourites”. Eminent filmmakers will pick some of their favourites, and this random list of movies is showcased to the audience. An example of such screenings was the selected favourites of director Shaji N Karun. Yaaba (1989), The Piano (1993) and Pelle The Conqueror (1987) were screened recently as a tribute to the veteran filmmaker who passed away on 28 Apr 2025.
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Upcoming Screenings
Every month, the BFS team curates a fresh theme — from world classics to contemporary Malayalam gems — and announces it on their social media and in local newspapers. The screenings are usually held on the third Sunday of every month.
On screening day, films start at 9:30 a.m. and run back-to-back till evening, with small breaks in between.
Overall, Banner Film Society stands for good cinema and to create a space for discussion on different perspectives of cinema. This venture provides a palatable experience to everyone who loves movies for their art and would like to venture into the depths of cinema without any possible randomness.
The latest in their record is the ‘Palestine Film Festival’ going to be held on 19th Oct 2025, Sunday. This displays a list of 4 movies from the land of Palestine. Anyone is free to join the screening at Lenin Balavadi in Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum.
Two decades on, Banner Film Society continues to remind Trivandrum’s cinephiles that cinema doesn’t need luxury seats or 4K screens. What it really needs is people who care. It’s proof that great films still find their audience, one Sunday at a time.
