One of the many highlights of The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival was the attendance of noted filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The esteemed director gave a rare Screen Talk masterclass at the BFI Southbank, with Peter Webber (Girl With a Pearl Earring). This year the festival announced it’s first selection of winners and the inaugural ICON Award © for outstanding contribution to Indian and world cinema was won by Mr. Ratnam.
Sponsoring the ICON Award ©, Sun Mark Ltd C.E.O Harmeet ‘Sunny’ Ahuja stated: “Sun Mark is delighted to further recognise the talent and achievements in film. Our ICON Award was chosen for the living legend, Mr Mani Ratnam. He is a most recognised and respected director and is known for tackling difficult subjects, which might otherwise be conveniently swept under the carpet. We congratulate him for his incredible contribution to international cinema, which has made him a true icon.”
Ratnam, who was visibly excited to win the award said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive this icon award. I think that Indian cinema is at the threshold of a new era, and The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival is a showcase for this next generation. I am sure that future awards will be won by some of the bright young talent that is coming up.”
Check out these pictures of Mr. Ratnam at the festival
Photographs by Elliott Franks
