Kolkata: Jimsith Ambalappad, a Malayali documentary filmmaker and folk arts researcher, is promoting Malayalam and Kerala’s traditional art forms while balancing his professional and personal life in Kolkata.

He was honoured last year with the Malayalam Mission’s Bhasha Prathibha Special Jury Award instituted by the Government of Kerala.

He received the Bhasha Prathibha Award for presenting innovative ideas aimed at making the Malayalam language more technology-friendly. Jimsith is currently working on a comprehensive book documenting the origin, history and evolution of Malayalam drama, covering a wide spectrum from folk theatre traditions to modern popular plays. The project seeks to chronicle key contributors and movements that shaped Malayalam theatre.

Jimsith said his research into Kerala folk arts is closely linked to his commitment to preserving his mother tongue. His documentaries explore the linguistic richness embedded in folk songs and oral traditions of marginalised communities. Among them is 'Vattakkali', a documentary focusing on the art and life of the Paniya community, which highlights the intersection of language, culture and identity.

He also welcomed the decision by the Malayalam Mission to screen his 90-minute documentary 'Natyakala' across its Pravasi chapters. The film examines heritage art forms, including both Hindu and Muslim variants of Kolkkali, and documents contemporary adaptations introduced by students of the Mahakavi Moyin Kutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy, functioning under the Kerala government’s Department of Culture.

Another of his works, 'Pattum Chuvadum', has been included in the Academy’s study syllabus for children. Jimsith has previously received the 2022 Mappila Kala Academy Award and the ‘Manimuzhakkam’ Kalabhavan Mani Memorial Award from Pattukoottam Nadan Gaveshana Kala Kendra, recognising his contribution to preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Currently employed at a private institution in Howrah, Jimsith is actively associated with the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Arts & Literary Organisation) and various Malayali organisations in Kolkata. A native of Chelannur, Kozhikode, he lives with his wife Anjali and son Adrinath.