THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the midst of recent controversies, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of contemporary Indian cinema, reveals his vision on support to budding young filmmakers in Malayalam through IFFK.
A three-member international jury has been entrusted with the task of identifying a bunch of potential Malayalam films which can be promoted at the international level. The concept of marketing Malayalam films is being introduced with major changes, compared to last year. The jury would be completely independent of the main jury, Adoor pointed out.
“The jury is truly international in nature, comprising filmmakers from Hong Kong, Italy and Africa. Of the 12 Malayalam films - Malayalam Today section, two films in international competition section and three from last year - the jury would select 3-4 films which they identify as worthy to be promoted on an international platform. Unfettered by any conditional clauses, this jury can choose as many films as they find worthy or maybe even nothing. And its decision would be respected,” Adoor explained.
Three films from last year are also being included, as the concept of censoring followed here doesn’t coincide with the releasing date of films. “World over, at all major festivals, the releasing date is considered as the authorised year of production. Only a few countries, including us, have the year of censoring as one of the criteria,” he said.
Once chosen, these films should be given ‘Certificates of Excellence’ by the Chalachithra Academy, stating that these films are selected by the jury for promotion at international fests.
Despite sharp criticisms, Adoor says he’s trying to put in place a system whereby good films get their rightful due. Earlier, in its recommendations to the government, the Adoor panel had proposed proper cash compensation for selected movies and those bagging recognition at national or international levels.
“We aim to create a scenario where producers themselves come forward offering to associate with good films, with no fear of investing in a losing proposition,” Adoor pointed out, adding that many excellent movements towards quality cinema reach nowhere due to lack of financial support. “There are new films in Malayalam which are mature and good attempts, signifying promising talent. We need to support such genuine cinematic ventures,” he added, also referring to the movie ‘Court’, which bagged many awards, and was promoted by the Maharashtra government with subsidies.
Ignoring controversies surrounding his recent statements, the veteran filmmaker says, “Knowledge of English is helpful since the subtitles are in English. After 50 years of filmmaking, I wouldn’t say that I can understand everything through visuals. That’s a misconception. I wouldn’t like to watch a film without subtitles, without which I don’t understand a film completely.”
List of 12 Films to be Promoted
The 12 films considered for promotion include two Malayalam films in the international competition section - ‘Unto the Dusk’ (‘Asthamayam Varey’) by Sajin Babu and ‘Zahir’ by Sidhartha Siva - along with the Malayalam Cinema Today section - ‘1983’ by Abrid Shine, ‘Alif’ by N K Muhammed Koya, ‘Calton Towers’ by Salil Lal Ahamed, ‘Jalaamsham’ by M P Sukumaran Nair, ‘Names Unknown’ (‘Perariyathavar’) by Dr Biju, ‘Self-portrait’ (‘Njan’) by Ranjith and ‘Six Feet High’ (‘Oraalpokkam’) by Sanalkumar Sasidharan and three films from last year - ‘CR No 89’ by Sudevan, ‘Kaliyachan’ by Farook Abdul Rahiman and ‘Kanyaka Talkies’ by K R Manoj.