IFFI 2011 - Adaminte Makan Abu wins Rajatha Mayooram award

The National Award winning Malayalam film Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, Son of Adam) won the Silver Peacock prize for the Special Jury Mention in the 42nd International Film Festival of India. The film is directed by debutant Salim Ahmed. Salim Ahmed recieved the award consisting of the Silver Peacock, the cash prize of Rs. 15 Lakhs and the felicitation for Adaminte Makan Abu. Recieving the award, Salim Ahmed said that he will spend the prize money for the Oscar promotion of the film. The Golden Peacock for the Best Film was won by the Colombian Film Porfirio directed by Alejandro Lanales.

Iran director Asgar Farhadi has been selected as the Best Director for the film 'A Separation'. Sasson Gabai and Nadesha Markeena won the awards for the Best Actor and Actress respectively for the films 'Restoration' and Elena. I4 international films were there in the competition section. The jury headed by eminent Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan selected the winners unanimously. It was Adoor Gopalakrishnan who announced the winners.

The ceremony started with paying tribute to the director Oscar Filo who passed away during the film fest. Tamil star Surya was the Chief Guest of the function. Surya opined that regional films from India should get more attention and marketing in the national level. Bollywood actors Irfan Khan, Kankana Ranaut and Sohail Khan were also present in the ceremony. Malayali cinematographer Madhu Ambattu was also honored on the stage. Union Minister for Broadcasting Ambika Soni and Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamath delivered speeches. Various cultural traditions and dance forms of India were presented. The crew of the biopic film on Aung Saan Sukyi, 'The Lady' was honoured. It was the closing film also.
The film festival was started on 23rd November. Over 150 films from more than 60 countries were showcased. The French legendary director Bertrand Tavernier was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the festival.

The film festival was inaugurated by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Madhuri Dixit inaugurated the Indian Panorama section. Malayalam film Urumi directed by Santosh Sivan was the opening film of Indian Panorama. Traffic, Karmayogi, Bombay March 12, Melvilasom and Chappa Kurishu were the other Malayalam films in the Panorama. Another Planet directed by Smitha Bide was the winner of the short films section. The Vasudha Award for the best film on environmental issues was won by 'A Pestering Journey', directed by Keralite KR Manoj.