THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Ever since its moment of inclusion in the Malayalam films section in IFFK 2010, the film ‘Chithrasutram’ and its director Vipin Vijay have been hugely debated, but, unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. The film was looked down upon as a backdoor entry, something like a last-minute manipulated inclusion.
But here is something good to cheer about this Malayalam film. ‘Chitrasutram’ has been selected for the International Film Festival Rotterdam, IFFR 2011, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, in the competition section. The film, which created a lot of brouhaha early this month owing to its late inclusion in the IFFK, was selected for its sophisticated style of cinematic expression.
Rada Sessic, closely associated with the Rotterdam film festival, who is in the city for the IFFK, told ‘Expresso’ that the selection committee was really impressed by the cinematic treatment of ‘Chitrasutram’ (Imaged Threads).
‘’We felt it as one among those films that happen very rarely. ‘Imaged Threads’ falls among the list of those films which make us watch them again and again for their unique way of filmic expression like a beautifully composed piece of music. The film was noted for its modern style of infusing visuals into the cinematic language,’’ said Rada, who is the Programme Advisor of IFFR for South Asian Films.
She also said that IFFR 2011 marks the jubilee edition of the film festival and really outstanding films are being selected in the competition section. ‘’We have always had high regard for his films. IFFR has also screened his other films like ‘Hawa Mahal’ and ‘Videogame’ in its earlier editions’’. However, Vipin Vijay, the director of the film, preferred to be tight-lipped when asked about his film having been selected for IFFR 2011. ‘’I am not here for any arguments. I don’t have anything else to say,’’ said Vipin in perfectly civil tones. Vipin had remained reclusive even when the controversy surrounding the film was flaring up.
The film was earlier discarded by the Chalachithra Academy for IFFK 2010 on the grounds that it had been considered in IFFK 2009 under another title, ‘The Work in Progress’. It was Cultural Minister M A Baby who had insisted upon including ‘Chitrasutram’ for IFFK 2010. A friend of Vipin Vijay told Expresso that it was Adoor Gopalakrishnan who had recommended to the Minister for the inclusion of this film.
‘’Adoor sir was really impressed by Vipin’s movie when he saw the film’s DVD. Hence, when the film was not included initially, he talked it over with the Minister. We have always known that Vipin’s film will be appreciated,’’ he said.
‘Chitrasutram’, based on a short story by M Nandakumar, will be screened at Kairali theatre on Wednesday at 11 am.
aswin@expressbuzz.com
