Iranian film 'Parviz' bags Golden Pheasant award

Iranian film 'Parviz', a dark comedy directed by Majid Barzegar, bagged the coveted 'Suvarna Chakorama' (Golden Pheasant Award) at the 18th International Film Festival of Kerala, which concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy gave away the award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh and a trophy, to Majid during the colourful valedictory ceremony, marked by the presence of a host of global film personalities.

Argentine movie 'Errata',directed by young filmmaker Ivan Vescovo won 'Rajatha Chakoram' (Silver Pheasant Award) in the debut film category and Fipresci award for best foreign film.

Bengali movie 'Meghe Dhaka Tara' by Kamalesh Mukherjee was adjudged the ‘Rajatha Chakoram’ in the 'best director' category and also bagged Netpac (network for promotion of asian cinema) award for 'best Asian film'.

Malayalam movies 'Kanyaka Talkies' by K R Manoj and 'Crime No: 89' by Sudevan bagged Fipresci and Netpac awards in the Malayalam movie category, while '101 Questions' by Siddharth Shiva was selected the best film by audience.

Noted South Korean film maker Kim Ki-duk and veteran Malayalam actor Madhu were felicitated at the function.

Minister of state Shashi Tharoor, state culture minister K C Joseph and K Muraleedharan, MLA, also attended the event.

More than 200 cinemas from various countries were exhibited during the eight day event.