‘Receiving award alongside Mammootty feels unbelievable’: Shamla Hamza on winning Best Actress for ‘Feminichi Fathima’

Thrissur: After receiving overwhelming praise from the audience at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK),  ‘Feminichi Fathima’ has secured two awards at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024.

The movie, just over an hour long, had been screened as part of the International Competition category at the festival.

Shamla Hamza has won the Best Actress award for playing the lead role in the film, while the director, Fasil Muhammed, was declared the Best Debutant Director.

Produced by Sudheesh Scariah and Thamar KV in association with AFD Cinemas, the film offers an intimate look into the lives of domestic workers and their everyday challenges. Beyond portraying the socio-economic hardships these women endure, the film celebrates their resilience and unwavering strength in confronting life’s obstacles through satire and humour.

Shamla Hamza, originally from Thrithala, Pattambi, Kerala, was only six months postpartum when she played the role of Fathima in the film.

She had earned applause at the IFFK screening, arriving with her infant to interact with the audience. Earlier, she had also appeared in ‘1001 Nunakal’ (2022), in which Fasil had worked as the spot editor. 

This is Shamla’s first award as a newcomer to the world of acting. Speaking to the media, she said she was delighted that her very first award came alongside Mammootty.

“I really don’t know what to say at this moment. I had everyone’s support while working on my first film. Kumar Sunil, who played the character Ashraf, supported me immensely. He helped me a great deal in bringing the character of Feminichi Fathima to life,” Shamla told reporters.

“I was chosen for the role of Feminichi Fathima because the makers saw potential in me to portray such a complex character. Winning the Kerala State Film Award is truly a huge honour. And to receive it alongside Mammootty feels almost unbelievable. I’d like to thank all the other actresses who were part of the competition as well."

“It was through the film ‘1001 Nunakal’ that I got the opportunity to be part of Feminichi Fathima. It was only because of everyone’s support that I could play this role. If I continue to get good stories and strong characters, I definitely want to keep acting. I’m still a beginner, and this award is a real source of encouragement,” Shamla added.

Shamla had previously told Mathrubhumi about the difficulties of acting in the film when her daughter was just six months old.

“It was extremely difficult. My mother and daughter were with me on location. But being away from my baby while working was emotionally hard and stressful,” she said.

“I’ve met many women like Fathima — educated, capable women who, despite having opportunities, stay home looking after their husbands and families. But they do so happily. Fathima represents such women,” she added.

‘Feminichi Fathima’ had won five awards in total at the previous edition of IFFK.

Fasil Muhammed is also the writer of the film. Originating from the coastal town of Ponnani, Fasil draws upon his deep connection to the region’s culture, seamlessly weaving its essence into the story. 

The film was recently released in theatres by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, on October 10. It had also been screened as part of the Regional International Film Festival of Kerala (RIFFK) in August. The win proves that even small, independent films with heart and ambition can go on to earn not just critical acclaim but also big accolades.