Swarna, Rajat Kamal for two FTII films

PUNE: Films made by students of the Film and Television Institute of India bagged six awards at the 61st National Film Awards declared on Wednesday.
Pranjal Dua was honoured with the Swarna Kamal and Rs 1.50 lakh for best direction for the diploma film Chidiya Udh. The citation quotes: "The award is for the unique vision of urban angst told without dialogue.The de-emphasized narrative masterfully blends visual, sound, music and acting." The film also won the best audiography award for Gautam Nair, comprising the Rajat Kamal and Rs 50,000 cash. The citation mentions a layered and resonant sound track with elements of ambiguity and discord contributing to an overwhelming sense of urban disconnect.
Another FTII diploma film Mandrake! Mandrake! (Hindi) by Ruchir Arun bagged the best short fiction award comprising Rajat Kamal and Rs 50,000 each for the director and the producer. The citation says, "The film was selected for the deftly crafted story of a young man, who transforms a rundown warehouse into an Aladdin's cave through the fun and frolic of the moving image, where magic, mystery and adventure become possible."
Cameraman Kavin Jagtiani got the best cinematography award for the film Mandrake! Mandrake! As a tradition, the Reliance Media Works was awarded for processing the film. Both the award winners will be honoured with the Rajat Kamal and Rs 50,000 each.