Aravindan Puraskaram for I Am Kalam director

MUMBAI: The Chalachithra Film Society, Kerala, has awarded the Aravindan Puraskaram to Nila Madhab Panda as best debut filmmaker of 2010 for his acclaimed film I am Kalam.

The award, instituted in memory of renowned Malayalam filmmaker G Aravindan, carried a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a plaque.

A few days ago, in an event held in Goa, Panda‘s debut film won the Young Jury Award 2010 for best film.

I am Kalam is a story about a child, his struggles to pursue his dreams and to surpass the boundaries of reality; it is a celebration of human spirit pitted against overwhelming odds.
 
This award was conceptualised during the 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa last year. Young students were selected, trained and had to choose a winner from the Indian Panorama selection of the festival.

The film has won many international awards like best feature film at the Lucas International Film Festival, The Don Quixote Prize of the International Cine Club Federations at the Lucas International Film Festival and Audience favourite choice at the Barbican London Children film festival 2010.

I am Kalam, produced by an NGO Smile Foundation, addresses the issue of children‘s education in India.