Adoor panel moots sweeping changes

Sweeping changes in the conduct of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), State Film Awards, and functioning of the Chalachitra Academy and the Kerala State Film Development Corporation have been recommended by an expert committee set up to look into Malayalam cinema. The committee, headed by film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, has recommended enhancing the prize money of the J.C. Daniel Award to Rs.10 lakh and that of the Lifetime Achievement Award equivalent to $20,000, and giving both the awards every two years.

A 10-member jury, including three directors and three technical persons, has been mooted for the State Film Awards. Setting up sub-groups and mandatory screening of shortlisted films by the entire jury have been suggested to avoid controversies.

An increase by Rs.1 lakh in the prize money for the awards, awards for screen play and adaptation, and application fee for documentaries and feature films have been mooted for submitting entries.

The committee has recommended doing away with the award for the Best Comedian. The award for second best actor and actress should be renamed Award for Best Character Actor and Actress.

The committee has favoured enhancing the subsidy provided by the KSFDC for feature films from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh, and doubling the subsidy amount now given for short films and documentaries.

A Rs.25-lakh subsidy had been mooted for 10 films every year through the academy to promote good cinema.

E-ticketing has been recommended in all cinemas to end malpractices. The pension given by various cultural institutions should be channelised through the Kerala State Samskarika Pravarthaka Welfare Board.

The committee has recommended a Rs.12-crore upgrade for Chithranjali studio and steps for setting up film archives in the Film and Video Park.

The committee has asked for steps to remove the warning on liquor and cigarettes while screening films.

Accepting the recommendations from Mr. Gopalakrishnan here on Wednesday, Minister for Cinema and Transport Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said these had been accepted in principle by the government.

The committee comprised film-maker Shaji N Karun, producer G. Suresh Kumar, Congress leader Pandalam Sudhakaran, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Rani George.