Award-winning film personalities felicitated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National and State award winning film personalities were felicitated by ‘Filmmakers’ Forum For Better Film’, a fraternity of filmmakers here on Thursday. The event held at Kalabhavan Theatre was inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy .Tamil Director Vetrimaran, who won the national award for the best director for the film ‘Adukalam’, was felicitated on the occasion. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presented him a memento and draped him with a golden shawl.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the government will  impart due attention to promote quality films which inspite of their high artistic quality, often have to suffer in terms of poor returns. ‘’The appointment of Priyadarshan as the Chairman of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy denotes the government’s commitment to the promotion of good cinema in the State,’’ he said.Forest Minister  K B Ganesh Kumar, who handles the film portfolio, pointed out that it is unfortunate to see good films struggling to get theatres. He said that the Government will construct 20 full-fledged multiplexes in the State within next six months. ‘’The government will try to provide loans to construct theatres equipped with modern facilities. Plans are also on to revamp the activities of  Kerala State Film Development Corporation,’’ he said.Salim Ahammed, director of  the national award-winning film ‘Aadaminte Makan Abu’;  Asharaf Bedi, producer of the film; cinematographer Madhu Ambatt; music director Issac Thomas Kottukapally; Dr Biju, director of ‘Veetilekkulla Vazhi’, which won the award for the best regional film; B C Joshi, producer of the film and the state award winners, including Shyama Prasad,  the best director award winner for ‘Elektra’ and  Lenin Rajendran, second best director  for ‘Makara Manju’, were also felicitated on the occasion.