About Sivans Studio in M.G. Road, Near Govt. Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram

Sivan

Sivan was born on April 14, 1932 in Harippad village. His father was Padeettathil Gopala Pillai and Bhavani Amma was his mother.

He had his education in Harippad Malayalam School till 7 and continued in Harippad English Medium School and S.M.V. School, Thiruvananthapuram. During this period, he was trained in classical music and painting. Music and painting are his in-born talents. He became interested in the national struggle and travelled all over Kerala with patriotic plays. He performed the play ‘This is Our Country’ written by Omcheri for the promotion of the Five Year Plan in about 300 villages and cities.

For 7 years continuously, he was the Secretary of Thiruvananthapuram Arts Association, which is recognised by Song and Drama Division (Government of India). During this time, he won several awards for music, drama and acting. He attracted attention for his acting in the movie ‘Ahalya.’

In 1955, he trained himself in photography and later initiated press photography in Thiru-Kochi.

In the all India photography competition conducted by the United States Information, he won awards in all the categories and the special award for professional photography. He travelled all over India and became noticed at the international level by presenting cover photos, critically acclaimed series of photos and articles on the topic of ‘Nature and people’ in state level, national and international publications such as Life, Span, Newsweek, Statesman, The Times of India, Mathrubhumi, Janayugam, Malayala Manorama, Kerala Kaumudi and Malayala Rajyam.

Under the patronage of V. V. Giri, he conducted the mural photography exhibitions (one man show) ‘Image to India’ and ‘Welcome to Kerala.’ According to the suggestion of the then Ambassador in Russia, K. P. S. Menon, who inaugurated the exhibition, he presented an exhibition in the Bombay International Tourist Fair.

He was a member of the travel entourage of political leaders like the Rajapramukhan (King), Dr.Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Zakir Hussain and Indira Gandhi. At this time, he earned their praise as press photographer and news cameraman.

He was appointed as the permanent photo artist in the Agricultural Information Department, Kerala Sate for more than 3 years.

He pioneered documentaries that use 16 MM Reversal film. He produced and directed the films ‘Rakthasakshikal (Martyrs),’ ‘Labour Week,’ ‘Mannathu Padmanabhan,’ ‘Vivekananda Stuti’ and ‘Land of Onam.’ He later did the direction and cinematography of the first tourist film ‘An Invitation to Nature’s Paradise’ (35MM) with the music direction of Salil Chaudhury. He was selected in the panel of film producers in the Films Division, which is under the Government of India.

In 1959, he established the Sivans Studio. He was a member of the group that represented India in the International Youth Festival that took place in Sofia in the same year.

With special encouragement from Indiraji, he established a Full-fledged Cine Outdoor Unit. The beginning of the effort to get the film industry transferred to Kerala. In 1972, according to the suggestion of the Home Minister K. Karunakaran, he participated in the formation activities of the State Film Development Corporation.

Feature Films:

He was the creator of the well-intentioned poetic films mentioned below and many other excellent documentaries and ad films.

1972 Swapnam (Dream) - 4 State Awards

1981 Yaagam- 3 National Awards for the best picture, the best Photography and Direction.

1991 Abhayam (Shelter)-National Award for best Children’s Film, State Award and 7 International Awards including Silver Elephant Award.

1993 Kochu Kochu Mohangal- 2 International Awards

1999 Oru Yaatra (A Journey)- 3 International Awards, Honghong International Festival and Fu-Ku-Ko International Film Festival

2008 Kilivaathil (Small Window)

2009 Keshu – This film was selected for the Indian Panorama and selected for the State and National Award for the Best Children’s Film in 2009.

Membership:

Member of International Centre of Film for Children and Young Adults (CIFEJ).

Jury member of state level, national and international film festivals.

Jury Chairman (CIFEJ) in the International Children’s Film Festival.

Board member of Film Development Corporation.

Executive board member of Lalita Kala Akademi.

Founder member of All India Cinematographic Association.

Member of South Indian Film Chamber and Cine Technician Association.

Life member of MACTA.

Awards won by Sivan:

He has won many awards like the Soorya Award for overall contribution and the Critic Award for overall contribution.

He won state level, national and international awards as producer, director and cinematographer.

The State Government honored him by giving him a special cash award of one lakh rupees for winning national and international awards for the best children’s films.

Recently assignment as chairman of international film festival Goa.

Sivan’s Film Family:

Sivan is the head of a dedicated film family and still continues his activities in the film and photography fields.

Wife:

Chandramani Sivan (Filmmaker)

Children:

Sangeeth Sivan (Filmmaker)

Santosh Sivan (Filmmaker)

Sanjeev Sivan (Filmmaker)

Sarita Rajiv Udayabhanu (Proprietor, Sarita Films)

The awards won by Sivan’s family:

28 international awards

18 national awards

12 state awards