The NFDC-National Film Archives of India (NFAI) is set to honor the celebrated director John Abraham with a special screening of his iconic film “Amma Ariyan” (Malayalam, 1986). This unique cinematic event will take place at the NFDC-NFAI, located on Law College Road in Pune, on Saturday, September 9, starting at 6 pm.
“Amma Ariyan” holds the distinction of being the sole South Indian Feature Film to earn a spot on the prestigious “Top 10 Indian Films” list of all time by the British Film Institute. The NFDC-NFAI has undertaken the task of digitizing and restoring this cinematic masterpiece.
John Abraham, a prominent figure in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema, was an alumnus of Pune’s Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He graduated with honors in screenwriting and film direction, making this tribute even more significant. In addition to “Amma Ariyan,” the screening will feature three short films directed by John Abraham during his time at FTII: “Koyna Nagar” (1967), “Priya” (1969), and “Hides and Strings” (1969). These screenings will be open to the public at no cost and will include English subtitles.
“Amma Ariyan” delves into the introspective journey of a young man as he contemplates life, despair, and survival, expressing his thoughts through poignant letters to his mother. “Koyna Nagar” portrays the events surrounding the devastating earthquake that shook Koyna on December 11, 1967. “Hides and Strings” sheds light on the skilled musical instrument makers of Pune, while “Priya” offers a glimpse into the life of a young woman named Priya during a pivotal period.
This tribute not only celebrates the cinematic excellence of John Abraham but also highlights the enduring legacy of Indian cinema and the invaluable role of NFDC-NFAI in preserving and promoting these treasures of our cinematic heritage.
