THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Aravindan Puraskaram for the best debutant filmmaker for 2010 has been awarded to Nila Madhab Panda who directed ‘I Am Kalam’.
The award, instituted by the Chalachithra Film Society, was announced here on Tuesday by the jury headed by noted filmmaker Syamaprasad.
The award carries a carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, certificate and plaque.
"Panda’s ‘I Am Kalam’ is a film rooted in the rural ethos of the country," Syamaprasad said.
‘I Am Kalam’ is the story of a child, his struggles to pursue his dreams and to surpass the boundaries of reality. Whenever he is asked his name, this is what the 10-year-old protagonist says: "I am Kalam".
The award will be presented on March 15, Aravindan’s birth anniversary.