Director: KS Unnikrishnan Avala

KS Unnikrishnan Avala is an acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker, author and lyricist, known for his sensitive, politically conscious portrayals of tribal identities and gender. Having worked with indigenous communities since 15 years, his films combine ethnographic realism with poetic storytelling. His Thanthapperu: Life of a Phallus swept the NETPAC Award, International Jury Prize, and Audience Poll Award at IFF Kerala. The film was developed in close collaboration with the Cholanaikka indigenous community, including lead actor Bellakkariyan Maneesh, several supporting cast, co-scriptwriterVinod Chellan, and some crew. Raju, a real life transgender tribal, influenced Avala deeply: he made a documentary on him, The Last Page, wrote his biography, Vipareetham (Opposite), and his debut feature Udalaazham, Body Deep, tributed him. It played at film festivals in London and Melbourne.