Saji Cherian knew exactly what was going to happen if Prem Kumar comes, changes from lunch coupons to liquor feast

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Director Jose Thomas showered praise on film academy chairman Prem Kumar. Jose Thomas said Prem Kumar is leading the International Film Festival in the best possible way as the chairman, and that the film festival has transformed from madambi festival to a popular festival.

His words
‘I have been attending the IFFK Film Festival in Thiruvananthapuram for the past one week. I was a regular participant in the first 15 years and had served as a member of the general council of the film academy. However, I had completely skipped the film festival for the last 10 years. The reason was due to the behavior of vile creatures associated with the organization. Their nefarious activities were disheartening.

Every day after the festival, there are dinners sponsored by many and attended by people in the film industry. Some production managers sneak in there and take the lunch coupons and give them only to those they like. There will be liquor parties. Only those wanted are treated with good alcohol. Those who are not interested are kept away. I got disgusted seeing all this.

When Prem Kumar was appointed chairman of the film academy, many including me, frowned. However, seeing the activities at the IFFK venues under Prem Kumar, my opinion changed. This is a grand entrance from a madambi festival to a popular festival. It will be the first time for the film academy getting a chairman running around to ensure that his eyes are everywhere.

When Prem Kumar was promoted as the chairman of the film academy, some organizations were against it. Many of them asked, ‘Oh, Prem Kumar. However, Culture Minister Saji Cherian knew exactly how good Prem Kumar was when he was the vice chairman. That is why Saji Cherian elevated Prem Kumar as the chairman. His activities alone prove that it is right.’

The 29th edition of the IFFK concludes today. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the closing ceremony today to be held at the Nishagandhi Auditorium at 6 pm. The chief minister will present the Spirit of Cinema Award to director Payal Kapadia. The film that wins the Suvarna Chakoram for best film will receive Rs 20 lakh. The film will then be screened at Nishagandhi. The director of the film that wins the Rajata Chakoram will receive Rs 4 lakh, and the debutant director who wins the Rajata Chakoram will receive Rs 3 lakh. The director of the film that wins the audience award will receive Rs 2 lakh, and the best debutant director in India who wins the K R Mohanan Endowment Award will receive Rs 1 lakh.