Film Employees Federation Of Kerala Appoints New Executive Union Members

Sibi Malayil was appointed as the director of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) at the general body council meeting in Kochi. B Unnikrishnan assumed the role of secretary, Sohan Seenulal as the working general secretary, and Satheesh RH as the treasurer. The elected committee members include GS Vijayan, NM Badusha, Devi S, Jaffar Kanjirappilly, Shibu G Susheelan, Aneesh Joseph, Nimesh M, Benny Artline, and Pradeep Rangan. These representatives were unanimously selected by 63 general council members from 21 membership outfits within the federation.

During today’s annual general council in Kochi, FEFKA elected its new executive union. The key positions include President Sibi Malayil, General Secretary B Unnikrishnan, working secretary Sohan Seenulal, and treasurer RH Satheesh. Vice Presidents are GS Vijayan, NM Badusha, and Smt. Devi, Anil Attukal, and Jaffar Kanjirapilli. Joint secretaries comprise Shibu G Suseelan, Nimesh M Thanoor, Benny Art Line, Pradeep Rangan, and Aneesh Joseph. FEFKA aims to implement initiatives like a headquarters building, free health insurance, and enhanced working conditions for its members.

Having directed approximately forty films since the mid-1980s, Sibi Malayil pursued his studies at St. Berchmans College. Before his independent directorial career, he gained experience assisting renowned directors like Priyadarshan and Fazil. Notable films such as Chekkeranoru Chilla (1986), Thaniyavarthanam (1987), Kireedam (1989), Dasharatham (1989), His Highness Abdullah (1990), and Bharatham (1991) played a defining role in shaping the landscape of Malayalam cinema in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Collaborating often with A. K. Lohithadas for screenplays, one of his acclaimed works, Bharatham, earned Mohanlal his first national award for best actor.

B Unnikrishnan embarked on his film career in 1999, making a mark with the screenplay for Jalamarmaram, directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar. This film, exploring the politics of water and environmentalism, earned the Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay in the same year. In 2000, his screenplay for Cover Story, directed by G. S. Vijayan, faced commercial disappointment. Unnikrishnan also ventured into television with the thriller Black and White in 2004, winning two Kerala State Television Awards. His telefilm Antharangal in 2004 secured the Kerala State Television award for the best telefilm.