
Picture of the week: Rising from the ashes
The Hindu
Kaliyattam festival in Kannur
Theyyam Kandanar Kelan, a deity based on the legend of an archer-farmer, braves the blazing, gnawing flames in an hour-long ritualistic frenzy at the Kaliyattam festival at Karakeel Wayanattu Kulavan Devasthaanam, Ettikkulam in Kannur. The belief is that the farmer was clearing vast tracts of forest by burning the vegetation to prepare land for farming, but got trapped in the flames. As he tried to clamber up a lone tree that was still surviving in the middle, he got killed by snakebite. Another theyyam, Vayanattu Kulavan, which was passing by, came to his rescue and resurrected him from the ashes.

Talking to Max Howard is akin to opening up a treasure trove of stories from the world of animation. Known for extensive work in positions of leadership at major studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks, Max has also has contributed to iconic films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. for Walt Disney productions. He also served as president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation, overseeing projects like The Iron Giant and Space Jam.