Thiruvananthapuram, November 4 – Kerala’s State Minister for Films and Culture, Saji Cherian, defended the jury’s decision to award no prize to any children’s film at the 2024 Kerala State Film Awards. The move sparked a backlash, most notably from child actress Deva Nandha, who urged that children deserve recognition and that the decision seemed contradictory.
Cherian said he raised the issue directly with the jury. “There were four films in the children’s category. In the final round, two of those films were still in play, but the jury didn’t see enough creative merit to justify an award,” he explained. He added that, out of 128 films submitted across all categories, only about ten percent met the jury’s quality standards.
“We heard the jury’s recommendation that the state should do more to promote children’s cinema,” Cherian said. “We will work to revive and support this segment. The jury flagged concerns about a decline in quality, and we’re listening.”
Deva Nandha took to social media to express her disappointment. In a video clip, she referenced remarks by jury chairperson and actor Prakash Raj, who said that no children’s films were selected. “It’s unfair to say we should make more children’s films if we’re not awarding any existing ones,” she wrote. She highlighted titles such as Sthaanarthi Sreekuttan, Gu, Phoenix, and A.R.M., noting strong performances by young actors. “Don’t close your eyes to the contributions of children,” she urged, echoing the frustration of many in the film community who felt the omission undermined the inclusive spirit of Kerala’s awards.
The controversy has opened a broader debate about support for children’s cinema in Kerala. Critics argue that the state’s awards should spotlight young talent and encourage filmmakers to produce higher‑quality children’s content. Supporters of the jury claim they were simply following strict artistic standards.
What’s next? The state is expected to review its award criteria and explore initiatives to nurture young filmmakers and actors. The jury’s findings have spurred calls for increased funding, training, and exposure for children’s films, ensuring that future awards reflect the evolving industry while giving credit where it’s earned.
As the discussion continues, fans and industry insiders alike watch closely to see how Kerala will balance artistic integrity with its commitment to young talent.
Source: ianslive
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