Debut director Siddharth Chauhan’s film, “Amar Colony,” clinched the special jury prize at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, as announced by the filmmakers on Sunday. The movie, the sole Indian entry in the ‘First Feature Competition’ category at the annual festival in Tallinn, Estonia, has garnered acclaim for its portrayal of life in a Shimla-based chawl, featuring Nimisha Nair, Sangeeta Agrawal, and Usha Chauhan as its lead cast.
Chauhan expressed his excitement about the film’s recognition at this prestigious event, where it had its world premiere. He shared his gratitude, stating, “I am so overwhelmed with the love which the European audience and POFF (Festival) have shown towards our film. I really didn’t expect such a response to my film! I want to thank the jury for considering us worth it.”
Therese Malvar, co-juror for the ‘First Feature Competition,’ highlighted the film’s originality of vision as the reason for awarding it the honor. She praised the bold and innovative portrayal of a small-town community in Shimla, exploring both human and divine urges against a culturally rich and deeply personal backdrop. Malvar commended Chauhan’s daring approach, guiding the audience through his world with affection and humor.
Producer Nisheeth Kumar of Indie Film Collective added, “Amar Colony winning the Special Jury Award is a dream come true. Siddharth Chauhan is a filmmaker to watch in the years to come.” The film, produced in collaboration with ‘Goopy Bagha Productions,’ is set to have its India premiere in the ‘Indian Cinema Now’ section at the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) from December 9-16 in Thiruvananthapuram.