Melbourne-based filmmaker Arun Ashok won first prize at the ICCR & Routes 2 Roots International Film Festival. His short film, The Throw (Beyond Borders), bagged the award in the Indian Diaspora category.
The award was presented at a special ceremony at the Indian Council in Melbourne by General Sushil Kumar on Jan. 26.
Expressing his gratitude, Ashok shared on Instagram, "I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious #award from the #indian #government, #iccr, #routes2roots recognizing my contributions and efforts for the #international #filmmaking. Happy #republic day and #australia day!"
The ICCR & Routes 2 Roots International Film Festival welcomed entries from 35 countries in two categories: Foreign Alumni and Indian Diaspora. Winners receive cash prizes: $500 for the first, $300 for the second, and $200 for the third. The Indian embassy in each country will distribute the prizes as per ICCR’s direction. This initiative aims to support the Indian diaspora and promote Indian culture worldwide.
Winners were selected based on creativity, cultural relevance, and emotional impact.
Ashok’s The Throw (Beyond Borders) stood out for its powerful storytelling, artistic execution, and deep emotional resonance. The film, a sports drama, explores themes of sportsmanship, perseverance, and unity, showing how human connections transcend borders. Its gripping cinematography and compelling performances made it a deserving winner.
Ashok is a creative visionary with a background in theater and performing arts and has been involved in acting and directing since his college days.
His passion for storytelling led him to filmmaking, resulting in his directorial debut with The Throw (Beyond Borders) in 2022-23. The film has already gained international recognition, winning the prestigious "Guirlande D'honneur" at the 40th Sports & TV International Festival in Milan (2023), an event associated with the International Olympic Committee.
Following this success, Ashok is now set to direct his first Indian film. His experience in theater, filmmaking, and cross-cultural storytelling gives him a fresh perspective on Indian cinema. Additionally, he has made his acting debut in an upcoming Malayalam film, scheduled for release later this year.
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