Govind Nihalani, Aparna Sen felicitated at closing of MAMI fest

Mumbai, Mar 16 (UNI) The 9th International MAMI festival drew to a close with the felicitation of filmmakers Govind Nihalani and Aparna Sen.

Aparna Sen, who has made films like ''36 Chowrangee Lane'', ''Mr and Mrs Iyer'' and ''15 Park Avenue'', was conferred with the 'Significant contribution to Indian cinema' award at the closing ceremony last evening.

While receiving the award, Ms Sen said ''I accept this award with humility and a heavy heart at what is happening in Orissa, Gujarat and Kashmir. As a humanist filmmaker, I feel I can share with my audience the future concerns of my country. It is difficult to get a producer if I want to make a film on the poor man. It is a frightening situation where people are only interested in the marriages of filmstars. My appeal to all of you is don't look away.'' Govind Nihalani, on the other hand, has made films like 'Bhumika', 'Manthan', 'Ardh Satya', 'Takshak', 'Dev', 'Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa', 'Tamas' and 'Aakrosh'. Mr Nihalani received the 'Kodak award for technical excellence'.

Receiving his award, Mr Nihalani said ''I dedicate this award to V K Murthy. I also thank Satyadev Dubey, Shyam Benegal and Manmohan Shetty, who have been by my side like the Rock of Gibralter. I thank each and every technician of mine.'' 'Sonam-the fortunate one' and 'In the shadow of the dog' won jury awards.

From March 8 to March 15, 100 films from 32 countries were screened. 'Curse of the Golden Flower' was the opening film, while Mira Nair's 'Namesake' was the closing film last night.

The closing ceremony, held at Ravindra Natya Mandir, here was compered by Sonali Kulkarni.

The next MAMI festival will be held on March 6, 2008, Mr Kiran Shantaram informed.

UNI