The eight-day International Film Festival of Kerala 2022 concluded in Thiruvanthapuram on Friday with the award ceremony for the best films and best filmmakers. The Bolivian film ‘Utama’ directed by Alejandro Loayza Grisi won the Suvarna Chakora award, and the international jury received the award for best film. The film revolves around an elderly couple in the highlands of Bolivia who have to deal with a severe drought. The arrival of their grandson forms the rest of the story.
Mahesh Narayanan’s ‘Ariyippu’ won the NETPAC Award for Best Malayalam Film, which was presented at the film festival. The film focuses on a couple’s struggle when a pornographic video starts circulating on social media.
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ starring Mammootty won the audience poll award.
Turkish filmmaker Tayfun Pirselimoglu won the Rajatha Chakoram award for best director. His film is based on the life of a man who witnesses a murder. The police prevent him from leaving the scene after his testimony. Life stops in the middle of a frenzy after even being declared quarantined due to the presence of rabid dogs.
Firaz Khoury, who directed the Arabic film ‘Alam’ set in a Palestinian village, was named Best Debut Director and his film received the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film.
Meanwhile, Malayalam film director Indu VS bagged the FIPRESCI Award for Best Debut Director for (19) (1) (A) starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menon.