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The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) culminated in a grand ceremony, honoring outstanding films and filmmakers. Pedro Freire's Brazilian masterpiece, Malu, stole the show, winning the coveted Suvarna Chakoram for Best Film in the International Competition category. Its portrayal of three generations of women navigating love, despair, and life left a lasting impact on the audience.
In the International Competition category, Farshad Hashemi won the Rajat Chakoram for Best Director for his Iranian film, Me, Maryam, the Children and 26 others. This nuanced exploration of Iranian society through a complex web of relationships showcased Hashemi's exceptional direction. Cristobel Leon and Joaquin Cocina received the Rajat Chakoram for Best Debut Director for their striking, homemade film, The Hyperboreans. This film masterfully blended live action, stop motion, and puppetry, providing an immersive experience for the audience.
The Jury Prize was awarded to Fasil Muhammed for his film, Feminist Fathima, a bold and humorous exploration of women's empowerment. Hala Elkoussy's East of Noon received a Special Jury Mention for Technical Excellence, praised for its harmonious blend of art design, sound design, and cinematography. Anagha Ravi and Chinmaya Siddi shared the Special Jury Mention for Performance for their exceptional acting in "The Other Side/ Appuarm and Rhythm of Dammam, respectively.
The FIPRESCI Award for Best Film in International Competition went to Fasil Muhammed's Feminist Fathima, lauded for its straightforward narrative and powerful visual language. Shivranjini J's Victoria received the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film of a Debut Director, recognized for its skillful use of cinematic techniques to convey the struggles of the protagonist.
The NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film in Competition was awarded to Farshad Hashemi's Me, Maryam, the Children and 26 others for its gentle portrayal of community and the life-affirming power of cinema. Fasil Muhammed's Feminist Fathima received the NETPAC Award for Best Malayalam Film, praised for its humorous take on patriarchy and its celebration of sisterhood.
In addition to these awards, Indu Lakshmi received the FFSI KR Mohanan Award for Best Debut Director from India for her powerful portrayal of a young girl's struggle against patriarchy in Appuram. Fasil Muhammed's Feminist Fathima received a Special Mention in this category. The Audience Poll Award went to Feminist Fathima (India) by Fasil Muhammed, a testament to the film's resonance with audiences.