Don Chacko Palathara

Kerala-born director-writer Don Chacko Palathara’s filmography is already six features deep. He has received numerous international film festival accolades and has been spotlighted in a dedicated showcase by MUBI (2021-2022). After obtaining a diploma in Film Direction, Writing and Production from Australia’s AFTT, Don first honed his craft with a couple of well-received shorts before making his feature film debut with drama Shavam (2015), available on Netflix.

Don took an unusual approach to financing his second film, Vith (2017), raising the necessary funds through crowdfunding. Other films, written and directed by Don, include period piece 1956, Central Travancore (2019), and tense dramas Joyful Mystery and Everything Is Cinema (both 2021), both shot during and narratively including the formidable challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine. His latest film, Family (2023), a provocative look at human psychology within a Christian community, premiered at IFFR. Don has served in the jury of several film festivals including IFFK and IDSFFK.

In their own words…

“My expectations for BAFTA Breakthrough are high. I’m looking forward to networking, learning from industry leaders and collaborating with fellow talented filmmakers. I hope to get access to the UK industry and I look forward to being a BAFTA member. I hope to utilise this support from BAFTA to take my craft to new heights and create impactful, innovative films.”

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