Son of Adam wins 4 major awards at International Guadalajara Film Awards (IGFA)
Bhubaneswar: Son of Adam”, the latest film from Odisha based production house, Swastik Arthouse, and written/directed by National Awardee Amartya Bhattacharyya has recently won 4 Awards at the International Guadalajara Film Awards (IGFA). It is a new festival with an objective to recognize new and brave creators of Independent cinema and showcase the best of films. The festival is held in the city of Guadalajara (Mexico) – one of the most cinematographic places in the world. In the May 2024 edition of IGFA, Son of Adam won in 4 major categories: BEST FEATURE, BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM, BEST DIRECTOR and Special Mention for BEST INDIE FEATURE FILM.
The film has been shot in some exotic locations of Odisha including places in Keonjhar, Puri, and Sundargarh. Some portions of the film have also been shot in Kolkata, Darjeeling, and the Andamans, exploring never-before-seen places. The film is the cinematic adaptation of National Award winner Rupam Islam’s path-breaking album ‘Aami’ which released in 2020. As per the rock icon, all the songs of Aami are deeply philosophical and autobiographical in nature. This film is an unique attempt to bring these songs to life and explore cinema as a medium. It has been produced by Swastik Choudhury in association with FilmStop Entertainment. Swastik Choudhury, also plays the protagonist in the film, and Priyanka Ghosh Roy plays the female lead.
The film had its world premiere last December at the 77th International Film Festival of Salerno in Italy and later won the “Best Musical Film” award at the Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente de Madrid in Spain. It was also officially selected for the San Antonio Independent Film Festival in Ecuador.
Rupam Islam, the presenter and inspiration behind the film, says – “I’ve earlier mentioned that this film deserves to win many more awards. That’s exactly what happened. It’s a film having a very different form as compared to what we usually see, and I’m always game for the qualitative unconventional. Blending music with cinema is something I find very exciting, and this film brings the true spirit of my songs to life.”
Elated by this win, director Amartya Bhattacharyya, added – “Sometimes it’s the new festivals and awards that can value films like ours. Because newness is freshness, and it takes a very unprejudiced eye to award the same film as the Best feature and Best experimental film. That the best experimental film can also be the best amongst conventional films is something that not too many people will vouch for. I extend my regards to the jury for not just awarding me as the Best Director or my film in 4 categories, but for this sheer statement that a film that’s experimental is not necessarily unworthy of competing and winning in the main category where the more conventional narratives usually rule.”
Lead actor/Producer Swastik Choudhury, expressing his excitement said – “Independent films have its own distinct charm and significance. This recognition establishes the team’s firm belief in creating cinema with a difference. I am really grateful and honored to see our film win in such important categories. Really thankful to everyone who have been a part of this journey”