JURY 2024
Mr. Vivek Mohan
Born, brought up, and educated in Shimla Vivek Mohan’s letters-to-the-editor in Indian Express and The Tribune in Chandigarh took him to Bombay then to do an Ad Creative Course. He subsequently joined Lintas Advertising as an Agency Producer for Films. Significant was giving a break to Mr. Dilip for MRF tires TVCS before the release of “Roja” which made him known to all as AR Rehman! After three years in Lintas, he became Inde to make Corp docus n Ads. He is a Copywriter as well. His documentary film “Malana-in search of…” film won him the coveted National Film Award presented by the President in 1999. He has served on many Juries, including the prestigious Indian Panorama – non-fiction of IFFI Goa twice in 2010 & 2014. He has vast experience doing numerous Ad films, Corporate documentaries, AVs, a few Docu-Drama FEATURES, Short Films, TV Shows, and Scripts for feature-length FICTON FILMS, ANIMATIONS, and DOCU DRAMAS. Currently, he is busy with film festival jury duty and Copywriting.
Mr. Christoph Thoke
Christoph Thoke is a renowned film producer and expert in international co-productions. He was Head of International Coproduction and Licensing at Germany’s postproduction giant CineMedia Film, where he was involved in global blockbuster successes like ‘What Women Want’ starring Mel Gibson. Multi-awarded Christoph Thoke is an executive producing and packaging international projects through his German outlet Mogador Film.
His influence on the international media landscape and extensive experience make him a significant figure in the film industry.
His first recognition came during his early producer days in Hollywood. The global successes he was involved in include:
- Lorna’s Silence (Cannes winner, directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne)
- What Women Want (global blockbuster, starring Mel Gibson)
- Tropical Malady (Cannes winner, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul)
- There Is No Evil (Golden Bear, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof)
- Twentynine Palms (controversial film at Venice, directed by Bruno Dumont)
- Of Horses and Men (Icelandic arthouse sensation, directed by Benedikt Erlingsson)
Mr. Sab John Edathattil
Sab John Edathattil, graduated in Commerce and later majored in professional accounting. He aligned himself with screenwriting at an early stage of his career. His screenwriting took off after scripting a remarkable Malayalam super-hit film named ‘Chanakyan’ starring Padmashri Kamal Hassan and Urmila Matondkar, triggering John as a screenwriter with a unique narrative style into the South Indian film industry.
He is one of the leading screenwriting and storytelling voices in South India, especially in the Malayalam and Tamil film industry. He is the Chief Mentor at ScreenWrite.In, India’s only Screenwriting Studio he founded in 2009; Visiting Professor & Head of Screenwriting at L V Prasad Film and Television Academy (2009-2018), L V Prasad College of Media Studies (2021 – Present), and Loyola LIVE, Chennai (2018-2019). Also, John is a jury at FICCI Frames Awards, Mumbai since 2008.
During his 34 years of screenwriting career, about 32 screenplays were filmed. Some of the major projects of his career include Guna, Jillunu Oru Kadhal, Kuruthippunal, Vyooham, Gandhari, Suryamanasam, Highway, Mayilpeelikkavu, Priyam, and Chanakyan. Guna, starring Kamal Hassan was a milestone project for John, an excellent blend of Kamal Hassan’s acting, maestro Ilayaraja’s music, and John’s screenplay.
Sab John Edathattil prefers to spend his spare time working with young aspiring writers in India. He propagates professional screenwriting through his much-acclaimed workshops and online masterclasses in Film Academies and Universities in India.
John is currently involved in three mainstream-movie-screenplays and two web-series content of four Indian regional languages.
Mr. Ravindhar
Ravindhar, born on December 18, 1959, his journey into the enchanting realm of entertainment commenced in his tender years. His educational odyssey began amidst the hallowed halls of Fatima Convent, flourishing further at Saraswathi Vidhyalaya, and reaching new heights at Avichi High School.
A prodigy in the making, he adorned the silver screen with his brilliance, leaving an indelible mark in films like AVM’s “Pavamannippu,” MGR’s “Arasilamkumari,” AVM’s cinematic gem “Chaya,” alongside Tamil masterpieces “Par Mahale par” and “Kanchithalaivan.”
The thirst for knowledge led him to the revered corridors of Kaidemilleth Arts College, where the art of cinematography became his muse and passion. In 1978 Ravindhar, with stars in his eyes, embarked on a transformative journey at the legendary K.S. Gopalakrishnan’s Karpagam Studio in Chennai. Ravindhar’s brilliance as a cinematographer illuminated the tapestry of South Indian cinema, collaborating with visionaries like K. Balachander, P. Vasu, P. Madavan, and T.K. Bose.
His work graced the silver screens in numerous blockbusters, including “Chinna Thambi,” “Velaikedachiduchu,” “Thangamanarasa,” “Mr. Madras,” “Vaimaiye Vellum,” and the telefilm “Kadhal Vaangi Vantheen.” He also showcased his directorial prowess in the telefilm “Namakkul Irrukkutum” for Sun Pictures, revealing his multifaceted talents.
With an impressive legacy spanning over three decades, Ravindhar embraced the digital revolution in cinema, contributing valuable documentaries and advertisements for esteemed organizations like Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation, Kadikraft, and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department. His passion for cinematic art extended to his involvement in various film industry committees.
Residing in the vibrant city of Chennai, Ravindhar remains an ardent cinephile and a fervent supporter of international film festivals.
Mr. Pradip Kurbah
Pradip Kurbah, is an award-winning Khasi film director at the forefront of Meghalaya’s burgeoning storytelling industry. With acclaimed works like “Market” (2019), “Onaatah: Of the Earth” (2016), and “RI: Homeland of Uncertainty” (2013), Pradip Kurbah has solidified his place as a visionary filmmaker. Having begun his journey by assisting filmmakers in Mumbai, Pradip’s dedication and talent led him to work on notable productions such as “Raju Chacha” (2000), produced by the renowned Ajay Devgan.
Pradip Kurbah’s cinematic prowess has garnered international recognition, with premieres at esteemed film festivals worldwide. His works have graced the screens of prestigious events like South Korea’s revered Busan Film Festival, Mumbai’s esteemed MAMI Festival, and the XVIII International Film Festival of Fam in Yaroslavl, Russia, alongside numerous other Indian film festivals.
Now, Pradip Kurbah embarks on a new cinematic journey with his forthcoming Khasi film, “Ha Lyngkha Bneng.” promising yet another captivating narrative that will captivate audiences far and wide.
