Bollywood casts such a strong shadow over Indian cinema, that it may be surprising to many film buffs that many other regional cinemas in the country of India are thriving. With 50 different languages and vast differences between various states, films from Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Punjab are only four of the various film cultures that are producing interesting and varied work. In this regard, documentaries, short films and animated works from India are also virtually unknown outside of the sub-continent.

The Kerala State Chalachithra Academy (www.keralafilm.com) located in the southwestern state of Kerala at  the foot of the Indian sub-continent has been active in promoting its own Malayalam film culture (the language spoken in Kerala state) and also the strong film voices working in documentary and short form. Those were among the pleasures to be found at the 3rd Kerala International Documentary and Short Film Festival, which ran from June 11-15 in the city of Trivandrum, the administrativ, business ad cultura capital city of Kerala (http://www.keralafilm.com/idsffk10.html). 

The Festival's top prize, Best Feature Documentary was split between two films: “In Camera”, directed by Ranjan Palit and "The Sun Behind The Clouds", directed by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. "In Camera" documents the history of independent Indian documentary film over the last 25 years by a cameraman who was associated with many of the films that were path breaking either in content or form. “The Sun Behind The Clouds" offers a multi-layered portrait of the Tibetan refugee community. Shooting in multiple locations and difficult situations all over the world over a long period, the film takes viewers into the center of the anguished debate of a refugee community that must abide by its traditions by it attempts to find a way to move forward.

The Navroze Contractor Award for the Best Documentary Cameraman was awarded to K. Appalaswamy for the documentary, “My Armenian Neighborhood”. Appalaswamy’s skill, alertness and sharp reflexes in various situations created an appropriate visual aesthetic for the subject which contributed strongly towards telling the story. Jury Special Mention with a certificate, for the feature documentary, “Mr. India”, directed by Haobam Paban Kumar.

The Best Short Documentary prize was awarded to  “Mahashweta Devi Close-up”, directed by Moni Bency &, Joshy Joseph. Rather than use the standard narrative conventions that an autobiography of a celebrated author would involve, the film finds an extremely innovative form to stage an encounter between two art forms, literature and cinema.

The Best Short Fiction prize was split between two accomplished films.  “Kelkunundo”, directed by Geethu Mohandas, is a subtle film that expresses a depth of experience with stillness & ease. “Athira 10-C”, directed by Ajan, is a compelling, in-depth account of an avoidable suicide. The Best Animation Film prize was awarded to "My Home Is Green/Pachilakoodu", directed by Sajan Sindhu, for celebrating nature and provocatively appealing to save it from pollution. 

"This was an important year for our Festival", Artistic Director Bina Paul Venugopaul exclaimed. "The talents we showcased here not only will become major artists in the Indian film industry but are poised to be acclaimed around the world for their unique vision and visual sensibilities."

The Academy also hosts a major international event, the 15th Kerala International Film Festival, which will be held in mid December 2010 (website: http://www.iffk.keralafilm.com/). Stay tuned.....

Sandy Mandelberger, Awards Watch Editor