Shaji N. Karun is a celebrated Indian filmmaker and cinematographer. A graduate of the Film Institute of India, Pune, he gained recognition as the cinematographer for over 40 films, including those by renowned director Aravindan, earning the Eastman Kodak Award for Excellence in 1990. Shaji's directorial debut Piravi (1988) won 31 awards, including the Silver Leopard at Locarno and Special Mention at Cannes. His subsequent films, Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2010), garnered national and international acclaim, with multiple selections at Cannes. Shaji’s Olu (2018) opened the Indian Panorama at IFFI and won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography. A Padma Shri awardee (2010) and Chevalier des Arts et Lettres (France, 2000), he chairs the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, fostering innovations like a government-backed OTT platform and a center for visual media excellence.
Kerala Film Market
Golda Sellam ,a seasoned producer renowned for projects like "The Velvet Gentleman," "La Gueule du Loup," and "Doobie," holds over two decades of experience in consulting within the culture and audio-visual sectors. Holding certifications as an expert for international agencies including OIF, ACP Fund, Europe Creative Media, CFI, and MAE, she has played a pivotal role in assisting film and TV producers globally. With a focus on international development and financing, Sellam has guided talents and creative entrepreneurs through all stages of production, contributing to over 150 projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Notable works under her production purview include the animated series "Mopaya," 'Elephant Blues,' 'Burka Boxer,' 'A Boxful of Dream,' 'Liaff de Rahat Kamzi’ , Fishy’ and ’South of Hope Street’.
Ingrid Lill Høgtun, Managing Director and Producer at Barentsfilm AS and International Co-Producer at DUOfilm AS, is a seasoned professional with extensive global experience in film production. A graduate of EAVE (European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs) and holder of degrees in Philosophy, Theatrical Science, and Business Administration, her academic pursuits spanned institutions like the University of California Berkeley, the University of Oslo, and the Institute of Film Science in Florence. With 16 years in Rome, she honed her expertise in the Italian and international film industry before returning to Norway. Her impressive portfolio includes award-winning films such as Essential Killing by Jerzy Skolimowski, 1982 by Oualid Mouaness, and You Will Die at Twenty by Amjad Abu Alala, Sudan’s first-ever Oscar submission. Currently, she co-produces features like The Difficult Bride by Rubaiyat Hossain and The Station by Sara Ishaq, showcasing her dedication to diverse, globally resonant storytelling.
Ravi Kottarakkara is a prominent Indian film producer who has made significant contributions to the Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada film industries. With a legacy deeply rooted in filmmaking, his passion and dedication have driven him to produce over 70 films across various languages and genres. His extensive body of work under the prestigious banners of Ganesh Pictures and Kottarakara Films has solidified his reputation as a stalwart in the South Indian cinema landscape. Currently serving as the president of the Film Federation of India, Ravi Kottarakkara plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian cinema. He is a strong advocate for the growth and welfare of the film fraternity, using his influence to drive positive change within the industry.