DOCUMENTA MADRID 2010 May 7 to May 16, 2010

Documenta Madrid is an international film festival dedicated exclusively to documentary film. It is organized by the City of Madrid and is presently the city's most widely-attended festival.The festival was born for the purpose of strengthening and disseminating the documentary genre, in so far as it understood to be a reflection of the social, cultural, economic, artistic, environmental, and other realities that exist in the world.

About Elly ,Iranian film and Fishing Platform, Indonesian film share Suvarna Chakoram in the 14th edition of IFFK.

The 14th edition of the IFFK concluded today with a colorful closing ceremony . Suvarna Chakoram awards were given away by Chief Minister of Kerala V S Achuthanandan. M.A Baby , Minister for culture was present.
The Iranian film, About Elly directed by Asghar Farhadi shared with Ravi Bharwani’s Indonesian film Fishing Platform the prestigeous Suvarna Chakoram, ( the Golden Crow Pheasant award,). True Noon, directed by Nosir Saidov got Rajata Chakoram,( the Silver Crow Pheasant Award )for the best Director and Madoda Ncayiyana’s My Secret Sky received the Rajata Chakoram for the Best Debut Director. True Noon also bagged Rajata Chakoram selected by the audience. The other awards are : A Fly in Ashes by Argentinean filmmaker Gabriela David (FIPRESCI award for the best film); Joshy Mathew’s Train in the Tenth Floor (FIPRESCI award for the best Malayalam film); Fishing Platform by Ravi Bharwani (NETPAC award for the best Asian Film in competition section); Kerala Cafe by a group of ten Directors(NETPAC award for the best Malayalam film); Harishchandra’s Factory by Paresh Mokashi (Hassankutty Award for the best Indian debut director).
The jury who decided the Suvarna-Rajata Chakoram awards was chaired by the famous Kurdish director Bahman Ghobadi with the African film critic Balufu Bakupa- Kaninda, the dancer-actor Mamata Shankar, Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, Egyptian director Hala Khalil as members. The NETPAC jury consisted Renhua Na, Fatemeh Motamedarya and Cheran. The FIPRESCI jury was Daniela Bisogni, H N Narahari Rao and Ibrahim Ouf. Saeed Akhtar Mirza, Mohan Agashe and Anjali Menon decided on Hassankutty Award, constituted by Mira Nair in memory of her assistant director Hassankutty. Suvarna Chakoran carries a cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs. Rajata Chakoram for the best director carries Rs. 3 lakhs while the best debut director gets Rs. 2 lakhs.

Our space has been snatched away by conglomerate market forces

The colonial corporate market forces dominate the cinema culture of both Africa and Latin America, say the film directors from both the regions who participated in the open forum conducted at the sidelines of 14th International Film Festival of Kerala . Opening the discussion, noted African director June Giovanne said Hollywood films dominated the African film market and indigenous African films found it difficult to draw viewers around. ``Since film distribution is monopolised by US conglomerates , they won’t promote our films,’’ she said. Endorsing the opinion of his African counterpart Argentenian director Edwardo Spagnuolo said the cinema of his country faced the danger of double colonialism, the US colonialism on the market side and European colonialism on the cultural side. As a result 90 percent Argentinean films are entertainers. When asked about the involvement of cinema in the promotion of the ongoing mass movements there, he said there were cinemas which actively promote this aspect.Speaking on the occasion Director from Senegal, Mama Keita said the rampant corruption prevailed in African countries make things difficult. Enrique Angeleri, also from Argentina, said major colonial forces always tried to keep Argentina down the line politically, financially and culturally. ``Latin American market is enough for us and we need not go elsewhere for our survival. But the problem is that our space has been snatched away from us,’’ he said.

‘Passion, Resentment or Derision’, IFFK seminar on the 50th year of film societies

‘Passion, Resentment or Derision’, a seminar on the 50 years of formation of film societies in India, held as part of the IFFK was inaugurated by Jose Thettayil Transport Minister . Mrinal Sen was the chief guestin the seminar, which was organised by the FFSI (Federation of Film Societies of India). Adoor Gopalakrishnan, presided over the function in which film critic Aruna Vasudev, Narahara Rao (Secretary, FFSI) and Sudhir Nandgaonkar, General Secretary of the FFSI participated in the deliberations. “The State Government would provide financial assistance for film societies in Kerala; a decision in this regard is being taken by the Finance and Culture departments,’’ Minister Jose Thettayil has said.. The seminar discussed the role of film societies in promoting good films and the functioning of the organisation over the years. Adoor Goplakrishnan said that the film festivals were taking over the function of film societies. Sudhir Nandgaonkar, spoke about the present scenario of the FFSI and observed that film societies were still vibrant in South India and also Maharashtra region. He was of the opinion that more youngsters should join the film societies. The book by Narahara Rao about the history of film societies was released during the function.

'Digital technology; a new trend in cinematic aesthetics’

A seminar on 'Digital technology; a new trend in cinematic aesthetics’ was held as a programme of The 14th International film festival of Kerala(IFFK) . The seminar was inaugurated by Cheran., Director . In his inaugural address Cheran called for the up gradation of the technical quality of the cinema houses in order to bring out the real aesthetics of technologically-advanced films. B.Ajith Kumar ,Editor ,while making the key note address said the digital technology kept distance in time and space from reality. Kameela Fox, HBO co-executive producer and Padmapriya , Actor participated in the seminar

Women in Malayalam cinema

Sharmila Tagore inaugurated an exhibition titled ‘Women in Malayalam Cinema’ in 14th of International Film Festival of Kerala. Sharmila said that the Malayalam cinema industry has a great range of women characters starting from Rosy, in 1928. Actors K.P.A.C Lalitha, Navya Nair, Menaka, Sona Nair, Scriptwriter Didi Damodaran, activist Dr. N. Seema, dubbing artists Anandavalli and Bhagyalakshmi flanked the occasion.
“What we see upfront doesn’t constitute the stark reality that goes behind the lives of the women actors”, reflected Sharmila while recalling her experiences as an actor. The situations are still not favorable to women to be successful without a male patron. Women shouldn’t be viewed upon as liability by the society; she said adding that she hails from a family of three daughters.Veteran Malayalam actor K.P.A.C Lalitha said women are being reduced to decorative roles nowadays unlike in the past when they have assigned character roles with strength.Navya Nair expressed anguish over the speechlessness experienced by women in cinema. The media too plays a role in reducing women to shadows and that leads to a certain fear to come out in the public. “Accessibility to the lives of actors have made them more pretentious”, said Navya. Didi Damodaran said the women behind camera have always been very less in number comparing to the number of women in other careers. This situation has to change. Dr. N.Seema maintained that the ideology behind this gesture signifies the huge need for the women to be heard and appreciated the academy for conducting the exhibition. The exhibition is being conducted as part of the academic exercise to document the history of women in Malayalam cinema in front of camera as well as behind the scenes. Beena Paul said that the exhibition would go around the country and state, expanding with fresh elements in course of time. Art Director Sabu designed the exhibition and contributed creatively to make this exhibition unique ,

Elegant start to 14th edition of IFFK 2009

The 14th edition of international film festival of kerala started elegantly with the renowned auteur Mrinal Sen inaugurating the festival by lighting the traditional lamp along with M.A.Baby, Minister for Cultural Affairs , Kerala, , Sharmila Tagore Actor of yester years and Chairperson Censor Board , actor Madhu , Jerome Bonnafont , French Ambassador to India , Binoy Viswam , Minister for Forest , Kerala, Sasi Tharoor , Minister of State for Foreign Affairs at Nisagandhi Auditorium here .Actor Navya Nair assisted the dignitaries to light the 14 lamps representing 14th edition. 164 films from around the world are showcased in the week-long festival .Minister M A Baby presented Mrinal Sen with the Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy .This is the first award conferred to Mrinalda . Oscar winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty was also honoured at the inaugural function. ''A step into the darkness'' by Turkish director Atil Inac was the opening film.
International Jury consists of Bahman Ghobadi (Chairperson), Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, Mamta Shanker, Prassana Vithanarge and Hala Khalil. The NETPAC Jury has Renhua Na, Fatemeh Motamedarya and Cheran. FIPRESCI Jury has Daniela Bisogni and H N Narahari Rao. Hassan Kutty Award,constituted by MeeraNair , comprises Saeed Akhtar Mirza, Mohan Agashe and Anjali Menon.

A STEP INTO THE DARKNESS-BUYUK OYUN-OPENING FILM OF 14TH IFFK 2009

International film Festival of Kerala will declare open on 11th of December in Thiruvananthapuram ,the capital city of kerala with the lighting of traditional lamp by the renowned film maker Mrinal Sen.M.A.Baby ,Minister for Cultural Affairs ,Sharmila Tagore ,Actor of yester years, Jerome Bonafond, Ambassoder to France will participate.the opening film would be A STEP INTO THE DARKNESS-BUYUK OYUN by Atil Inac ,Turkish director.The story tells the ordeal plight of a young women. An entire village in northern Iraq is wiped out when misinformed and panicked American soldiers stage a nighttime raid there. Cennet, a young Turkmen girl who has never before left home and is the only survivor of the raid on her village, has no choice but to set out for Kirkuk in search of her elder brother. There she learns that he was wounded by a bomb and taken to Turkey for treatment. Desperate to track him down, Cennet sets off on an arduous journey. The journey continues with haunting and miserable experiences .The film is directed by Atil Inac ,Turkish director

Mrinal Sen will inaugurate the 14th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)

Renowned filmmaker Mrinal Sen will inaugurate the 14th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi ,Thiruvananthapuram on December 11. Actor of yester years Sharmila Tagore and French Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont will be the chief guests at the function. M.A. Baby ,Minister for Cultural Affairs will preside over the function. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Mrinal Sen. Oscar winning sound editor and designer Resul Pookutty will also be honoured at the inaugural function. Shashi Tharoor , Minister of State for External Affairs will deliver the keynote address while Benoy Viswom Minister for forest will release the festival catalogue. A step into the darkness a Turkish film directed by Atil Inac will be the inaugural film. The festival will also pay homage to Murali ,Adoor Bhavani, Kamala Surayya,Rajan P.Dev, etc.the veteran artistes of Malayalam film industry who passed away in the last one year including actors Murali, Adoor Bhavani and Rajan P. Dev ,Sobhana Parameswaran Nair and K.P.Thomas. For the Golden Crow Pheasant award, 14 films, including three Indian films will compete . There will be a homage section to pay the respect to the departed artistes .

40th IFFI-The Golden Peacock award for Best Film went To “I Can’t live with out you ( No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti )” ,a Thaiwanese film directed by Leon Dai

THE 11-day long 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is coming to a close this evening with the screening of Spanish film Broken Embraces by Pedro Almodóvar. Renowned actor Mammootty was the chief guest at the closing ceremony being held at the Kala Academy in Panaji.
The Golden Peacock awards for Best Film went to I can’t live with out you ,a Thaiwanese film directed by Leon Dai and Ounie Lecomte , Korean-born French director won the Silver Peacock for best director for her film A brand new life , which carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh , and the Special Jury Award to the Other Bank a Georgian film by Gagma Napiri, which carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh..Total prize money of $1,40,000 was declared in the closing ceremony.
The special jury award went to Georgia-Kazakhstan film 'The Other Bank' (Gangma Napiri) directed by George Ovashivili. The award also carries a Silver Peacock and cash prize of Rs 15 lakh. The awards were given by the Governor of Goa, Dr. S. S. Sidhu in presence of the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri S. Jagathrakshakan, the Chef Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat and the Chief Guest of the Closing Function Mammooty. Films from India,Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Kazakhstan, Iran, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Argentina competed for these awards.
Brazilian director João Batista de Andrade, Vic Sarin (Canada), Kenichi Okubo (Tokyo), Sarika (India) and Jean-Michel Frodon (France) served as the jury. The film festival, which was inaugurated by actors Waheeda Rehman and Asin on November 23, witnessed the screening of nearly 300 films from over 50 countries. Over 6000 delegates, including media-delegates, attended the 11-day extravaganza. The “Cinema of the World” section this year showcased more than 55 films from 47 countries
According to S.M. Khan,Festival Director the organisers have introduced ,for the first time in the history of the IFFI, the Golden Peacock award with the Rs.40 lakh prize money to be shared between the best Director and the best Producer. The Best Director and Special Jury award along with the Silver Peacock carry the Rs.15 lakh prize money.
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Closing film of IFFI 2009 ‘Broken Embraces ‘ is a visual delight.

Mammootty is to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2009).The fest will conclude on 3rd Nov in Goa with the award giving ceremony followed by the screening of the film Broken Embraces by Pedro Almodóvar .The 11-day festival is the biggest annual film event in South Asia . The closing film Broken Embraces by Pedro Almodóvar is entertaining but superficial and melodramatic. It is an exploration of passionate jealousy.While it doesn't pack the emotional heft of director Pedro Almodóvar's most moving films, such as Volver , it is stylish and arresting with powerful performances and a compelling story.

Top 20 feature films of Indian Cinema in the past 96 years of its existence

The nation-wide contest, which was launched on November 10, is a major initiative by Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The contest, the first-of-its-kind to involve the whole country into rating the top 20 feature films of Indian Cinema in the past 96 years of its existence. The initiative is part of a special contest commemorating the 40th edition of IFFI this year, in which any film lover from any part of the country can send in his or her list of 20 best-ever Indian films .The evaluation criterion is that the 20 choices received from the film directors and film critics will be merged to arrive at a master choice. The twenty participant's choices matching with this master choice will be declared winners. Around 1.9 million people participated in the voting according to Manoj Srivastava ,CEO of ESG. The names of the films would be declared on the award ceremony on 3rd December. The results are available now.
1. Meghe Dhaka Tara -Ritwik Ghatak
2. Charulata -Satyajit Ray
3. Pather Panchali -Satyajit Ray
4. Sholay -Ramesh Sippy
5. Do Bhiga Jamin -Bimal Roy
6. Pyasa- Gurudath
7. Bhuvan Shoma- Mrinal Sen
8. Garam Garam Hawa – M.S.Sathyu
9. Mother India- Mehaboob khan
10. Ghataskrada- Girish Kassaravalli
11. Ellipathayam- Adoor Gopalakrishnan
12. Mughale Azam – K.Asif
13. Nayagan- Maniratnam
14. Kagaz Ke Phool- Gurudath
15. Apu Triology- Satyajit Ray
16. Sant Tukaram- V. Damle and S. Fattelal
17. Jane Bi Do Yaro- Kundan Shah
18. Guide-Vijay Anand
19. Madhumati –Bimal Roy
20. Anand- Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
and the Winners are:
1. Manish Agarwal, Jaipur
2. Ram Kishen Adig, Jaipur
3. Pranesh V. Managoli, Nagpur
4. Anita H. Baltilak, Akola, Nagpur
5. Sidharth Prakash, Bangalore
6. Sucheta Jalawadi, Belgaum