KOZHIKODE: Ian MacDonald, a British filmmaker and an ardent fan of V.S. Achuthanandan, is following the Opposition leader with his camera during the campaign for the last many days. Floored by the fire shown by the nonagenarian, Mr MacDonald has been with him from day one of the campaign. He filmed Mr Achuthanandan’s morning walk and Yoga sessions at the Payyambalam guest house in Kannur on Thursday and is travelling with him in Wayanad on Friday.
“It was my wife first informed me about the CPM leader and curiosity led me to explore the spirit behind this man,” said MacDonald. “Such leaders always inspire the youngsters and I want to portray the man in detail to the West.” His wife G Geetha is a native of Thiruvananthapuram. It was his interest in the Left movement in Kerala that led him to Mr Achuthanandan. “During my stay in Kerala as a filmmaker I have learned a lot about the Left movement and also on the leader,” he said. In his opinion Mr Achuthanandan is a remarkably active and energetic man and now the star campaigner of the Left.
The documentary, the tenth he would be making, will introduce the charismatic Communist leader who leads a campaign at the age of 93 fighting for his ideology to the outer world. Mr MacDonald has been an endearing presence in Mr Achuthanandan’s campaign meetings. The foreigner with camera also attracts many a curious eye whereever he starts filming the most popular Communist leader of the state.
