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Salim Ahamed

サリム・アーメド

Salim Ahamed

Aliases: Salem Ahamed / Saleem Ahmed

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1971-07-06 （Mattannur, Kerala, India）
Died
null
Nationality
India
Languages
Malayalam, English
Religion
Islam
Residence History
Palottupalli, Mattannur (Kerala)

Career

Occupations
Film director, Screenwriter, Film producer
Active Years
2011-

Education

Mattannur Pazhassiraja NSS College
Faculty of Commerce / Department of Commerce
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Country: India
Worked as a travel consultant after graduation
School of Drama, Thrissur
Degree: Professional diploma in Travel and Tourism
Country: India
Attended to deepen knowledge in drama and related fields

Awards

National Film Awards - Best Feature Film
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Directorate of Film Festivals (India)
Result: Winner
National Film Awards - Best Feature Film in Malayalam
2016
Work: Pathemari
Organization: Directorate of Film Festivals (India)
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Awards - Best Film
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Awards - Best Screenplay
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy
Result: Winner
International Film Festival of India - Special Jury Award (Silver Peacock)
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: International Film Festival of India
Result: Winner
IFFK - NETPAC Award
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: International Film Festival of Kerala
Result: Winner
IFFK - FIPRESCI Award
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: International Film Festival of Kerala
Result: Winner
Asiavision Awards - Best Debut Director
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Asiavision Awards
Result: Winner
Asiavision Awards - Socially Committed Movie
2013
Work: Kunjananthante Kada
Organization: Asiavision Awards
Result: Winner
Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema - Best Feature Film Scenario
2012
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema
Result: Winner
Thikkurissy Foundation Awards - Best Film / Best Director
2012
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Thikkurissy Foundation
Result: Winner
Filmfare Awards South - Best Film – Malayalam
2016
Work: Pathemari
Organization: Filmfare Awards South
Result: Winner
Academy Awards - Longlisted for Best Foreign Language Film
2011
Work: Adaminte Makan Abu
Organization: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Result: Longlisted (India's official entry)

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Adaminte Makan Abu

2011 Drama film

The story of Abu, an elderly attar seller whose lifelong wish is to perform the Hajj pilgrimage; as he nears fulfilling it he questions the legitimacy of the means and ultimately gives up his dream. Salim Ahamed's directorial debut, produced largely from his own savings.

FaithEthicsPovertyHuman drama

Kunjananthante Kada

2013 Drama film

A human drama that explores the life of Kunjananthan and his shop, interweaving local community issues and personal conflicts. Stars Mammootty.

CommunityIndividual isolationEconomic hardship

Pathemari

2015 Drama film

Follows the life of a man who emigrated to the Gulf during the early Kerala–Gulf migration boom, portraying the lives of migrant workers and their family ties. The film received critical acclaim.

MigrationLaborFamilyNostalgia

And The Oscar Goes To...

2019 Metafiction / Drama

A film inspired by the director's own experiences in producing and marketing his first film, featuring meta-narrative elements.

Behind the scenes of filmmakingSelf-referentialityStruggle and hope

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Realist human-centered storytellingCalm, measured narrative pacingDelicate treatment of faith and ethics
Recurring Motifs
Faith and religious dilemmasMigration and laborPoverty and dignityFamily bonds

Legacy

Salim Ahamed is regarded as a filmmaker who handles socially conscious subjects with restraint. His debut Adaminte Makan Abu won multiple international and national awards and is considered an important Malayalam film.

Trivia

  • He originally worked as a travel consultant.
  • He financed his debut film Adaminte Makan Abu largely from his own savings.
  • Adaminte Makan Abu was India's official entry and made the longlist for the Oscars.