Indian filmmaker
Christo Tomy is an Indian filmmaker known for his impactful work in both short films and feature films. He is a two-time National Film Award winning director. In 2016, he won the Swarna Kamal for Best Director (non-feature film) for his short film "Kamuki" (Sweetheart). He also won the National Award for Debut Director in the non-feature category for his short film "Kanyaka" (Virgin).
Early life and education.
Christo Tomy is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata and Sainik School Kazhakootam, Kerala.
Career and achievements.
National Film Awards.
Christo Tomy gained national recognition with his short films, which have won him two National Film Awards. In 2016, he won the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) for Best Director for his short film "Kamuki" (Sweetheart). His debut short film "Kanyaka" (Virgin) earned him the National Award for Best Debut Director in the non-feature category, receiving the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus). "Kanyaka" was also screened at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Jury member.
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to Indian cinema, he served as a member of the jury for the non-feature films at the 65th National Film Awards.
Notable works.
Short films and documentaries.
Christo Tomy's first notable short film was "Kanyaka" (2013), which earned him a National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director. He directed "Odvojen" in 2014. His next short film, "Kamuki" (2015), was showcased at various international film festivals and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Direction. His work is known for its depth, creativity, and emotional resonance.
"Curry &amp; Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case".
In 2023, Christo Tomy directed the Netflix documentary "". This documentary, based on the Koodathayi cyanide killings, achieved significant acclaim. The show reached the Global Top #2 position and remained in the Global Top Ten for three consecutive weeks. It amassed over 10 million views worldwide within three weeks of its release and featured in the Top Ten lists of more than 30 countries.
"Ullozhukku".
Christo Tomy's first feature film "Ullozhukku" (Undercurrent) was released in 2024 to positive reviews. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Honey Trehan, and Abhishek Chaubey, the film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Urvashi, and Arjun Radhakrishnan. "Ullozhukku" has been part of several prestigious programs, including the Film Independent's Global Media Makers LA Residency, the NFDC Co-Production Market - Film Bazaar, and the NFDC Screenwriters Lab. The project won the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Script Contest, India's largest feature film script contest, judged by eminent filmmakers Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Anjum Rajabali, and Juhi Chaturvedi.