Indian-American filmmaker wins award at New York festival

New York: Emmy Award nominated Indian-American filmmaker Tirlok Malik won the best feature film award as also a special Outstanding Achievement in the Multicultural Arts at the International Film Festival Manhattan.

Malik received the Outstanding Achievement award in Acting, Filmmaking, and Immigrant Advocacy last week at the festival which shows films, which deal with social issues, according to a media release.

The festival has the most diverse selection of world class films and a focus on social issues and advocacy as part of the programming and goals.

Many of Malik's films like "Lonely In America", "Khushiyaan", "On Golden Years" deal with the effects of migration in America.

"I am happy to be a part of this festival and I feel honoured for this award," said Malik.

Malik also received the Best Feature Film (USA) award for "On Golden Years". Luis Pedron, co-founder of the festival, said: "The film "On Golden Years" deals with social issues of retirement that millions of first generation immigrants face in their lives."

Films from many countries such as Israel, Australia, Philippines, Sweden, Singapore, USA were shown at IFFM.

Written and directed by Malik, "On Golden Years" is inspired by the book "Seeking Roots" by Iggy Ignatius, who is also the codirector of the film.

The film starring Ranjit Chowdhry, Jyoti Singh, Reeves Lehmann, Shetal Shah, Noor Naghmi and Tirlok Malik among others has been shot at the Indian retirement community Shantiniketan in Florida.

Malik has recently launched a website www.nritvfilmclub.com which streams Indian American movies.