Latest news with #InternationalFilmFestivalofKerala
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Indian filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away aged 73: Reports
Shaji N Karun, celebrated Indian filmmaker, passed away at his residence in Trivandrum on April 28, aged 73, according to Indian media. The director, known for his work in Malayalam and Indian cinema, was battling cancer for some time, according to media reports. Days before his death, he was hospitalised, after which he was brought home. The body will be kept for public viewing on Tuesday, from 10.30 am, at Kalabhavan Theatre. The cremation will be held in held at Santhikavadom, Thycaud, Indian media reported. He is survived by wife Anasuya and sons Appu and Anil. The cinematographer helped establish the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). He also received the Padma Shri, and the French honour 'Order of Arts and Letters.' Some of his works which received international recognition include 'Swaham' (1994), which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and 'Vanaprastham' (1999), which was also screened at Cannes. His debut film, Piravi (1988), was screened at nearly 70 international film festivals.
New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Shaji N Karun helped elevate IFFK to global standards: KSCA chairman Prem Kumar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned filmmaker Shaji N Karun, who passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry. The founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Shaji initiated the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) as a competitive and highly acclaimed global event. The event gained recognition from the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) because of his relentless effort. The current chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Prem Kumar, said Shaji was instrumental in shaping the IFFK. 'He helped elevate the festival's status on the global stage. I considered him my mentor. After joining the academy, I had the opportunity to work with him and we shared a warm relationship. His demise is a huge loss for the Chalachitra Academy,' said Prem Kumar. According to him, Shaji maintained contacts with people across the world and helped the academy select movies for IFFK. 'He was even involved in deciding the guests to be invited for the festival,' Prem Kumar added.
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ace filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away
Ace filmmaker Shaji N. Karun passed away at his home here on Monday. He was ailing for a while after being diagnosed with cancer. Karun was a cinematographer, producer and director all moulded into one, which eventually made him the highly respected elder film statesman from Kerala. The 73-year-old acclaimed cinematographer was later known for his directorial skills, which won him both national and international awards. He has cranked the camera for 40 films, which include towering directors like G. Aravindan, K.G. George, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair, to name a few. Later, he began directing, and of the seven films he directed, three of them won national awards and not to mention international awards too. He was also an able administrator, as he was the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and was the live wire during the now popular International Film Festival of Kerala. Karun was presently the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Though born in Kollam, he was settled in the state capital city. After his graduation, he joined the prestigious Pune Film Institute in 1971 to learn cinematography. In his long career, he has bagged seven national awards, which include three best film awards (Piravi, Vanaprasatham and Kutty Srank). It was in 1977 that he won the first of the eight Kerala State Film Awards for the best cinematographer in the film 'Kanchana Sita'. In 1979, Karun won his first national award for camera work in the black and white film 'Thampu'. He was also decorated with the Padma Shri for his contribution to films. At the Cannes Film Festival in 1989, Shaji's film 'Piravi', which he produced and directed, won a Special Mention, and in 1994, he did one shade better when his film 'Swaham' won the best film award. His films have also bagged honours at the London Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival and several others. Incidentally, it was just earlier this month that he was presented the most prestigious J.C. Daniel Award for his outstanding contribution to Malayalam films. Shaji N. Karun is survived by his wife and two sons, and he will be given a state funeral to be held here on Tuesday. Condolences have started pouring in from several quarters.
