Renowned Indian filmmaker and pioneer of parallel cinema, Padma Shri Girish Kasaravalli, was awarded the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the 10th Jaffna International Cinema Festival. The award was presented by the Festival Director, Anomaa Rajakaruna, at a ceremony held at the Jaffna Cultural Centre.
Kasaravalli, celebrated for his contribution to Indian cinema, has won 14 National Film Awards and has directed notable films such as Ghatashraddha, Tabarana Kathe, Thaayi Saheba, and Dweepa. He encouraged young filmmakers to unite in preserving auteur cinema and conducted a masterclass titled ‘Behind the Lines of Parallel Cinema,’ moderated by Professor Ankuran Dutta, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).
The festival, which featured 60 films from 18 countries, aims to foster cross-border engagement through cinema. The SVCC and the Consulate General of India in Jaffna have been active partners since 2023, supporting independent cinema and cultural exchange.
