Do not let his plain looks and grounded persona in which sometimes, he lets himself become invisible among a crowd of filmmakers deceive you. Dr. Bijukumar Damodaran happens to be one of the most versatile and awarded among young filmmakers in Kerala though he has also ventured to make films in other Southern languages. Since his first film in 2005, he has participated in film festivals in 37 countries over the past 20 years. His films have been screened in more than 80 countries of which 16 fairs were A category competitive fairs. His films have bagged no less than five National Awards and 36 international awards. He is professionally a homoeopathic medical graduate. He served as jury member for India’s National film awards 2012, India’s Oscar selection jury member 2015, 30th Fajr International film festival, Tehran, Iran 2012 and International Film Festival of Kerala 2011. This year, he found himself jurying the Bengali Panorama at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival. He opened up in a freewheeling interview.

This not your first visit to KIFF. What is your response to the fest since this time you were on a jury?

I attended KIFF eight times. Seven of my films have been screened at KIFF and this time I was a jury member. KIFF is a festival close to my heart. The wonderful festival ambience at Nandan, the big crowds barging in to watch films, the warm hospitality have been the specialty of KIFF. Among Indian film festivals Kerala and Kolkata festivals have a rich audience culture.

How do you think the festival has evolved over the years?

I think every year the number of people coming to watch is increasing. Attracting more people to watch festival every year is very important for a........

© Mathrubhumi English