Thiruvananthapuram: The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2024 came to a spectacular close with Brazilian film Malu winning the prestigious ‘Suvarna Chakoram’ award. Director Pedro Freire was honoured with the award and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the closing ceremony.

The Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima, directed by Fasil Muhammed, earned five awards in various categories, including the FIPRESCI Award for Best Indian Competition Film and the NETPAC Award for Best Debut Malayalam Director. It also bagged the Jury Award for Best Screenplay and the K R Mohanan Award Special Mention. The movie was also the audience's choice at the festival.

The K R Mohanan Endowment Award of Rs 1 lakh for the best debut director in India has been given to Indu Lakshmi, the director of the Malayalam film Appuram.

Notable Awards at the Festival

  • The IFFKU Spirit of Cinema Award was presented to Payal Kapadia, the director of All We Imagine as Light.
  • The Best Visual Media Reporting Award went to Mathrubhumi News reporter Rahul G Nath.
  • The Rajata Chakoram Award for the Best Debut Director went to Farshad Hashemi for the Iranian film Me, Maryam, The Children and 26 Others.
  • Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña won the Rajata Chakoram for Best Debut Directors for their Chilean film The Hyperboreans, with art director Natalia Geisse accepting the award on their behalf.
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Payal kapadia accepting the award | Photo: Mathrubhumi

Special honors and recognitions

  • Special Award for Technical Excellence to Hala Elkoussy for East of Noon (Netherlands).
  • NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film to Me, Maryam, The Children and 26 Others (Iran).
  • NETPAC Special Mention for Best Malayalam Film to Kiss Wagon by Midhun Murali.
  • FIPRESCI Award for Best Debut Malayalam Director to Sivaranjini for Victoria.

Child actors Anagha Ravi (Appuram) and Chinmay Siddi (Rhythm of Dammam) received Special Jury Mentions for Best Performance, highlighting the talent of young performers in the industry.