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Main Jury Panel

Main Jury Panel

The Main Jury Panel of LKSFF 2026 brings together acclaimed filmmakers and industry professionals whose expertise ensures a fair, inspiring, and world-class evaluation of every film submitted. This distinguished team will celebrate artistic excellence, innovative storytelling, and cinematic craftsmanship.

Kamal Jury Chairman

Kamal Jury Chairman
Indian Filmmaker & Former Kerala Film Academy Chairman

Renowned filmmaker Kamal is one of the most respected names in Indian cinema, particularly in Malayalam films. Known for his versatility and sensitive storytelling, he has directed numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films over his decades-long career. His vision and deep understanding of the art form make him the perfect leader for the LKSFF 2026 jury.

Philip Cheah

Philip CheahJury Member
International Film Critic & Editor

Renowned Singaporean film critic and editor of Big O, the country’s only independent pop culture magazine. Vice-President of NETPAC, he consults for major Asian film festivals including Jogja-NETPAC, Shanghai, and Dubai. Cheah co-edited influential cinema books and has received the Korean Cinema Award and Asian Cinema Prize for his contributions to Asian film.

Haobam Paban Kumar

Haobam Paban KumarJury Member
Renowned Indian Filmmaker

Acclaimed Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar is celebrated for his documentaries and feature films that reflect the socio-political realities of Northeast India. His works have won multiple national and international awards, earning him a reputation as a bold and authentic storyteller. His presence in the jury adds a unique and powerful perspective to the evaluation process

Sankhajit Biswas

Sankhajit BiswasJury Member
Editor,Director,Screenwriter

Professor of Editing at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, is a distinguished filmmaker and editor whose works have screened at major festivals including Berlin, Toronto, IDFA, and Busan. With eight National Award–winning films and multiple Indian Panorama selections to his credit, he brings exceptional craft and global insight to the field. A Berlinale Talent Campus alumnus and director of acclaimed documentaries, delighted to have him as the jury member of 2nd LKSFF 2026.

Sunanda Bhat

Sunanda BhatJury Member
Documentary Filmmaker

An Indian documentary filmmaker known for her immersive, long-term engagements with communities and landscapes. Her work blends environmental change, cultural memory, and personal narratives, most notably in Have You Seen the Arana?, shaped through six years of field living in Wayanad. Through her banner Songline Films, she creates visually rich, socially grounded documentaries. We are delighted to invite her as a jury member for the 2nd LKSFF 2026.

Other Jury Members

The Main Jury Panel will also include seven distinguished members from India and the international film fraternity, each bringing valuable insights and global perspectives to the selection process.