Malayalam film Fazil Razak directorialThadavu wins big at IFFK 2023.
Malayalam film Fazil Razak directorialThadavu wins big at IFFK 2023.
The 28th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) concluded on an exceptional note in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Renowned actor Prakash Raj attended the event as the chief guest.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards established by the organisers as well. The highly anticipated Suvarna Chakoram for Best Film was awarded to Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese film Evil Does Not Exist.
Meanwhile, the Malayalam film Thadavu and its director Fazil Razak clinched two prestigious awards. Razak was honoured with the Rajata Chakoram for Best Debut Director, while Thadavu also secured the coveted Audience Poll Award. Simultaneously, Shokir Kholikov received the Rajata Chakoram for Best Director for his Uzbek film Sunday.
In the midst of the event, Prakash Raj was accorded a warm welcome. Expressing his delight at being back in Kerala, he remarked, “Being in God’s own country, you (Keralites) keep God away from politics.
Addressing the narratives surrounding the six youths who sought to protest in Parliament recently, Prakash Raj criticised a group of journalists for “fighting like jokers”. He questioned whether there would be a dialogue to understand the motivations behind the youths’ actions and if there would be a narrative highlighting the desperation and frustration of unemployment.
Emphasising the pride he felt for the entire state, he commended Kerala for hosting a festival untainted by ideologies amidst a time of narrative divisions.
Prakash Raj concluded his speech by expressing his affection for the state, noting, “Love you, Kerala.”
In recognition of his remarks, KSCA chairman Ranjith presented him with a token of appreciation.
Uttam Kamati was the recipient of the FFSI KR Mohanan Award for Best Debut Director from India for his film Kherwal, and Anand Ekarshi’s Aattam earned the NETPAC Award for the Best Malayalam Film. Additionally, Shokir Kholikov’s Sunday also clinched the NETPAC Award for the Best Asian Film.
At the same, Shruthi Sharanyam’s B 32 Muthal 44 Vare secured the FIPRESCI Award for the Best Malayalam Film by a Debut Director, while Felipe Carmona’s Prison in the Andes earned the FIPRESCI Award for the Best Film in the International Competition category.
Prakash Raj concluded his speech by expressing his affection for the state, noting, “Love you, Kerala.” In recognition of his remarks, KSCA chairman Ranjith presented him with a token of appreciation.
Amidst all the controversies, Kerala State Chalachithra Academy chairman Ranjith was greeted by audiences with thunderous booing. Speaking on the occasion, he noted that as many as 175 films were screened during the festival, and approximately 14,000 people participated in the event.
Ace Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting impact on cinema. Legendary Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan presented the award to Zanussi. Cuban Ambassador to India Alejandro Simancas was also present on the occasion.
News Edit K.V.Raman
