This year's Festival was in line with Women's Politics- Chief Minister
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that this year's film festival is particularly notable for highlighting women's participation while inaugurating the closing ceremony of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. "The films in the festival, which focus on internal human conflicts and political conflicts between individuals, are expected to inspire the new generation with a clear political consciousness," the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister presented the Suvarna Chakoram for the best film to director Pedro Freire for the Brazilian film 'Malu', which comes with a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, a certificate, and a plaque. He also presented the 'Spirit of Cinema Award' to director Payal Kapadia.
He congratulated the filmmakers and wished that the awards would inspire them to create even more exceptional films. This film festival stands in solidarity with the oppressed and the suffering, a theme clearly evident in the films screened at the festival. Films showcasing the struggles of those who have faced oppression at the hands of the administrative system were also featured at the festival.
The Rajatha Chakoram for Best Director went to Farshad Hashmi, director of the Iranian film 'Me Mariam the Children and 26 Others'. The award consists of Rs 4 lakh, a certificate and a plaque. The Silver Medal for Best New Director went to Cristobal Leon and Joaquin Cosina, directors of 'The Hyperboreans'. The award, which consists of Rs 3 lakh, a certificate and a plaque, was received by the film's art director Natalia Gayes.
Revenue Minister K Rajan said, "For the past few days, the capital city has witnessed the timeless magic of the silver screen." The Minister added that the blood donation camp held as part of the festival was a huge success, with participants welcoming it as a way to strengthen humanity.
Feminichi Fatima, which received widespread acclaim from the audience at the festival, won five awards. Fazil Muhammad won the Jury Prize in the International Competition section for the script of Feminichi Fatima. The film also received the FIPRESCI Award for Best Film in the International Competition, the NETPAC Award for Best Malayyanalam Film, and the award for best audience support at the festival. Furthermore, Feminichi Fatima's director, Faasil Mohammed, received a special mention in the film awards. The audience welcomed Faasil Mohammed and the crew members who received the awards with a round of applause.
The Special Jury Mention for Technical Excellence in the International Competition Category went to Hala Elkousic, director of East of Noon. Anagha Ravi, who played the lead role in Appuram, and Chinmaya Siddhi, who played the opposing role, received a Special Jury Mention for Best Performance for their performances in Rhythm of Dammam.
The FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film by a Debut Director went to Sivaranjini J, director of Victoria.
The NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film went to the Iranian film 'Me Mariam, the Children, and 26 Others'. The NETPAC Jury Special Mention went to Kiss Wagon, directed by Mithun Murali. The FFSI KR Mohanan Award for Best New Director in India went to Indulakshmi, director of Appuram.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan honored Armenian film directors Sergey Avedikan and Nora Armani. Golda Sellam, curator of the 29th IFFK, introduced the jury members. Minister K. Rajan and Zilla Panchayat President Advocate D. Suresh Kumar distributed the awards to the jury members. Minister Saji Cherian presented the media awards, while the Cultural Workers Welfare Fund Board Chairperson K Madhupal gave out the awards for the theatres.
The closing ceremony of the festival was followed by the screening of the Brazilian film Malu, which won the Suvarna Chakoram.
