Filmmakers from Pakistan could not make it to the film festival at National Institute of Design (NID) titled ‘Alpavirama-2011′ that ended on Sunday. But, they still have a reason to smile.
The ‘Golden Comma Award’, the top prize, in both the documentary and fiction categories went to films from Pakistan. While a short film titled ‘Missing Vultures’ made by Muhammad Ali Ijaz from Lahore won the Golden Comma Award for documentary films, the Golden Comma Award for fiction was won by ‘Kalu’ made by Naveed Anjum, also from Lahore. Speaking to TOI from Lahore, Naveed Anjum, 25, said, “I am very excited. I never believed that I will get the top award. Opportunities and facilities are better in India and I thought my film could not beat those there.”
“I have worked hard on the script, direction and editing. However, I feel the execution could have been better if I had better resources,” Anjum said.
Kalu is the name of a rooster, an adored possession of a young boy named Sheeda. The 18-minute film revolves around how Sheeda and his two friends use Kalu to participate in local cock fights and earn an income. As Kalu struggles in a match, Sheeda, who looked after him affectionately, learns a very important lesson in life. Talking about how he wanted to – but could not – take part in the film festival at NID, Anjum said, “My family and relatives did not even give me a chance to apply for visa.”
The ‘Silver Comma Award’, the second prize, for documentary film went to ‘Boxing Ladies’ made by Anusha Nandakumar from Kolkata. The award for the fiction category was given to ‘Kusum’ made by Shumona Banerjee, also from Kolkata. The South-Asia short film festival hosted as part of the golden jubilee celebrations at NID received around 175 entries from various countries, including China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Via: TOI
