Hassan Kutty award in IFFK
Mira Nair, an Indian-born New York-based filmmaker, who has directed world famous films like Salaam Bombay! and Mississippi Masala, has instituted a special award at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) from 2008, in memory of her assistant director Hassan Kutty. The award, consisting of a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a citation, will be given to the best debut director.
Meanwhile, the last-minute preparations for the 13th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), which commences in the capital on Friday, are fast progressing. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the eight-day festival on Friday, showcasing 182 films from 53 countries. Argentinean film-maker Fernando Birri and South Indian actor K.R. Vijaya will be the chief guests at the inaugural ceremony. Laila’s Birthday, a Palestinian film by director Rashid Masharawi, will be the opening film.
In the category of Malayalam films, 7 films (Ranjth's Thirakkatha, M. Mohanan's Kadha Parayumbol, Madhupal's Thalappavu, Rupesh Paul's Laptop, T.V. Chandran's Vilapangalkkappuram, Anjali Menon's Manjadikkuru and Jayaraj's Gulmohar) will be screened during the festival. 14 Malayalam films, including Akasagopuram and Adayalangal, have also been included in the competition category.
The Golden Crow Pheasant Award (Suvarna Chakoram), the Silver Crow Pheasant Award (Rajata Chakoram), Best Debut Film Award (Rajata Chakoram) and Audience Prize (Rajata Chakoram) are the major awards to be presented.
