Run Kalyani filmmaker upset over state award snub

Filmmaker J Geetha, whose directorial debut Run Kalyani won raves at some of the major global film festivals recently, has expressed displeasure over her film getting snubbed at the 50th Kerala State Film Awards. It was also not selected at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

“I am happy for all the winners, but I continue to make my point that it is so difficult for women to make films, especially about women, and we struggle the most for recognition,” she said. “I faced the unfortunate situation of the IFFK not selecting Run Kalyani for the Malayalam Cinema Today section. And now, this! Who is afraid of women filmmakers?” she asked.

“After the announcement of the State Film Awards today, I received a few calls – some to assure me that Run Kalyani is one of the best films they have seen and others to appreciate the beauty, subtlety and meanings of the film. But some also asked me if I had really submitted it for the awards! I did apply. But the film has not been found worthy of any award. Am I surprised? No," she said.

Rave reviews and three awards later, the film will screen at three International Festivals in three countries – the US, Australia and Canada – in the coming weeks. It will screen next at the International Film Festival of Cincinnati (October 16-30), Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (October 23-30), and South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (November 19-29).

The film was screened on July 24 at the New York Indian Film Festival, where it got nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress, eventually fetching a Best Actress trophy for Garggi Ananthan who portrayed the eponymous character.