New Delhi: Noted Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has been honoured by the French government with "Commandeur Des Arts et Lettres" order for his outstanding contribution to international cinema.

French Ambassador Dominque Girard conferred the award on the veteran director at a simple ceremony at the French Embassy on October 18 evening.

The distinction is being conferred upon Adoor for his outstanding contribution to cinema and to the development of Indo-French co-operation in film production, distribution and exhibition, said Ambassador Girard.

Adoor, whose ninth film 'Nizhal Kuthu' (Shadow Kill) is co-produced by a French company Artcam, said he was "overwhelmed" by the support given to him by a nation that continues to encourage good cinema.

"It is indeed a great honour. By this award, you have honoured the new Indian cinema, of which I am just one practitioner," he said.

The "Order of the Arts and Letters", established in 1975, is meant to honour distinguished personalities in the fields of arts and letters and their contribution to the dissemination of culture in France and worldwide.

Adoor's 'Shadow Kill' was also given a grant under Fonds Sud, French government's grant for feature film co-productions.

The film will be released in France in November 2003.

PTI