Five Malaysian Tamil short films were picked as top works on Jan 23 at the Zee Reel Short Film Festival, sponsored by popular channel Zee Tamil Asia Pacific.
The five films are Kaki Bangku directed by Nanthakumaran Rajavijayan, Paasam (Vengatesh Ramachandran), Trending Pistha (Lavinia Ann), Cubic Room (Kumaaran Vijayan) as well as Deepawali (Aaron Nagaiah and Dinakaran Chandrasegaran).
A total of eight films were shortlisted as winners, which will be showcased on Zee Tamil APAC channel, and also Zee Thirai channel.
Filmmakers of the top three films will be given a chance to intern with international directors. Nanthakumaran’s Kaki Bangku received the top placement.
DN Studio that’s behind Kaki Bangku posted this on its Facebook account: “To be selected as the Best Short Film gives us immense joy and great motivation to strive forward by improving more in our craft. Thank you!”
The competition which ran from October to December 2020 saw more than 100 entries from Malaysia and Singapore.
This is the first year Zee Reel Short Film Festival is held. Besides the main sponsor, Zee Tamil APAC, it received support from Singapore Indian Development Association and The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas).
Among the international jury members were Indian director A.L. Vijay, Malaysian director Vimala Perumal and Singaporean filmmakers Rajagopal K and Yahssir M.- The Star