Anand Patwardhan’s Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam (The World is Family), an intricate tapestry weaving the filmmaker’s personal family history with the broader historical currents of the nation, has made a remarkable mark at this year’s 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK). Organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, the film has been honored with the prestigious Best Long Documentary Award, a recognition that carries a significant cash prize of ₹2 lakh. In a magnanimous gesture, Patwardhan donated the entire prize money to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), aimed at aiding the victims of the devastating Wayanad landslides.
In addition to this coveted recognition, Anand Patwardhan also clinched the Kumar Talkies Award for Best Editing, affirming his multifaceted talent and meticulous craftsmanship in documentary filmmaking. “Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam” is not just a film but an evocative journey through time, detailing how personal narratives are inextricably linked with the socio-political landscape of India. The recognition goes beyond a mere accolade, highlighting the deep connection between individual stories and the collective consciousness of a nation.
The festival, which has always been a beacon for documentary and short films from across the globe, also saw Ranajit Ray’s “Putulnama” (Dolls Don’t Die) earning the award for the Second Best Long Documentary. This film, which presents an intimate look into the daily struggles faced by puppet artists, also garnered the Jury Award for Best Cinematography. Ray’s directorial finesse brought attention to a dying art form, emphasizing the persistence and passion of the artisans who strive to keep this tradition alive.
Nishtha Jain and Akash Basumatari’s “Farming the Revolution,” a detailed chronicle of the peaceful farmers’ protests against contentious agrarian laws enacted by the Union government, received a special mention in the Long Documentary category. This film stands as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the resilience of the farmer community, shedding light on the broader implications of legislative changes on agrarian livelihoods.
Divyam Jain’s “Picturing Life” won the Jury Award for Best Sound, recognized for its innovative use of auditory elements to enhance the narrative experience, taking viewers through a multi-sensory exploration of life’s visual and aural beauty.
On the shorter side of the documentary spectrum, Ritam Chakraborty’s “Salvation Dream,” a poignant exploration of a man’s final days, was awarded the Best Short Documentary Award.
. The film’s multifaceted approach also earned it the Jury Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Sound, making it a standout in the short documentary category for its profound emotive depth and technical excellence.
Prachee Bajania’s “Umbro” (The Threshold), which celebrates the friendship amongst a group of women in a small town, was honored with the Second Best Short Documentary Award. The narrative captured the essence of camaraderie and the subtleties of human relationships, showcasing the filmmaker’s adeptness at translating everyday interactions into a powerful cinematic form.
In a special jury mention, Sneha Malakar and Srishti Garg’s “Jhaal” was recognized, while the Best Editing Award in the short film category went to Pranav Patil for his work on “P For Paparazzi,” a thrilling insight into the life of celebrity photographers and the relentless pace of their profession.
In the realm of fiction, Vishwas K.’s “Waterman,” which tells the story of a child in a water-scarce neighborhood discovering his superpower, won the award for Best Short Fiction. His captivating narrative blended elements of fantasy with pressing environmental issues, securing its place as a beloved piece amongst both jurors and audiences.
Shivam Shankar’s “Gore Goat Ghost” was awarded the Second Best Short Fiction Award, and Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar’s “Flowering Man” received the Special Jury Award, each film uniquely contributing to the diverse tapestry of the festival’s offerings.
In the campus film section, Febin Martin’s “Hitham” (The Choice) clinched the Best Campus Film Award for its compelling portrayal of youthful dilemmas and decision-making. Pramod Satchidanandan’s “Mutton Cutter” received the Special Jury Award, rounding off a festival that celebrated a spectrum of talents and storytelling techniques.
Due to the government’s declaration of a two-day state mourning in honor of those who lost their lives in the landslides, the awards ceremony proceeded without the usual official fanfare. Nevertheless, the accolades were presented by the Jury Chairpersons, Urmi Juvekar for Fiction and Rakesh Sharma for Non-Fiction, ensuring that the achievements of the filmmakers were fittingly acknowledged.
The 16th IDSFFK has once again underscored the power of documentary and short film formats to delve deep into both personal and societal narratives, creating a poignant and thought-provoking festival that resonates with diverse audiences.
