Kozhikode's Joshi Benedict Wins National Award For Best Animation Film

Joshi Benedict from Tiruvampadi Pullurampara, Kozhikode, won the National Film Award for Best Animated Film for his 8-minute animation, A Coconut Tree. The recognition for his debut film has brought great joy to his family at Pullurampara Akkattu Mundakkal Veedu. This short animation, which explores the relationship between nature and humanity, has become a source of pride for the Malayalam community by earning this prestigious national award.

The film A Coconut Tree tells the story of an ordinary housewife who lives in a hilly region. Her life takes a transformative turn when she plants a coconut sapling. This simple act of nurturing the plant becomes a metaphor for growth and change, reflecting how even the smallest actions can have profound impacts on a person’s life. The story beautifully intertwines themes of nature, resilience, and personal transformation, showing how the coconut tree becomes a symbol of hope and renewal for the protagonist.

Joshi Benedict, the creator of this award-winning animation, has a background in visual arts, having completed his studies in painting at Thrissur Fine Arts College. Before venturing into animation, Joshi had already made a name for himself in the world of graphic novels. His works, Pannimalath and Kopra Chevv, have been well-received for their storytelling and artistic style, showcasing his ability to weave intricate narratives through visual art.

A Coconut Tree represents a new chapter in Joshi’s creative journey. This animation film is his first foray into filmmaking, and its success at the National Film Awards is a testament to his talent and vision. In an interview with News 18, Joshi expressed his immense joy and gratitude for receiving the award for his debut film. He shared that this recognition not only validates his hard work but also provides him with the motivation and energy to continue exploring new avenues in his artistic journey.

The fact that most of the work, including the concept and expression of the film, was done by Joshi himself also adds to the award. The background music of the film is composed by Bijipal.