Iranian film The Dark Room, directed by Rouhollah Hejazi , won the Suvarna Chakoram (Golden Crow Pheasant) award at the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) which concluded here on Thursday.
The film won the award, comprising a purse of ₹15 lakh, a sculpture and citation, for an intimate exploration of relationships within a family at a time of change, creating a complete cinematic experience, and for its sensitive treatment of delicate issues.
Malayalam film Ee.Ma.Yau, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, was the big winner of the night, bagging three awards. It won the Rajatha Chakoram (Silver Crow Pheasant) award for the best director. The film also won the Audience Poll award for the best film and the Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) award for the best Asian film in the competition category.
The Rajatha Chakoram award for debut director was won by Anamika Haksar for her film Taking the Horse to Eat Jelabis . Saumyanand Sahi won a special mention for beat cinematography for his remarkable work in capturing the rarely seen images of old Delhi in this film.
Zakariya's Sudani from Nigeria won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award for the best Malayalam movie.
Special jury mention
The Silence , directed by Beatriz Seigner, won a special jury mention for a touching tale of the dead who disappeared at a time of war and conflict and of the living who seek healing and reconciliation.
The Film Society Federation of India's first K.R. Mohanan Endowment Award was won by Bengali film Manohar and I, directed by Amitabha Chatterjee. Bilathikuzhal , directed by A.K.Vinu, won the special mention.
The awards were presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the valedictory ceremony held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakunnu, here.
‘‘This festival marks the resurrection of cultural Kerala, ravaged by the floods of August. People from all over volunteered to make it happen in these difficult times. The presence of the youth in large numbers at such a cultural festival gives hope for progressive people at a time when communal forces are trying to take us back to the 19th century,’’ the Chief Minister said.
