Maldivian feature film “Kamanaa”, released in August last year, has won three major awards at the 5th Karnataka International Movie Festival (KIFF).
The annual North Karnataka Film Festival recognized the movie in three key categories: Best Director, Best Lead Actor, and Best Lead Actress.
“Kamanaa” was written by Mahdi Ahmed and directed by Hussain Munawwar.
In a social media post, Hussain said he was proud of the film’s achievement, calling it an honour for the entire Maldivian film industry. He thanked the full team behind the project, noting that he was entrusted with directing the film because of the confidence placed in him by producer Ali Shaniz Mohamed.
Hussain also expressed gratitude to Mahdi Ahmed, the music team, and the technical crew. He said the film’s success belonged to every actor who appeared in it, adding that “Kamanaa” was not created with the intention of winning awards.
Poster for the Maldivian movie Kamanaa that won three awards at Karnataka International Film Festival, December 2025.
Instead, he said, the film was made to amplify the pain and plea of a girl facing hardship, a story that has resonated with audiences both in the Maldives and abroad.
The main cast of “Kamanaa” includes Mariyam Azza, Yoosuf Shafeeu (Euppe), and Aiminath Rashfa (Asha). The supporting cast features Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Nimal, Mohamed Rasheed (Dharaa Rasheed), and Nathasha Jaleel.
The Karnataka International Movie Festival is organized by the Nava Karnataka Film Academy and features films and documentaries from around the world.