Then followed an extended drought, although Satyajit Ray’s ‘Parash Pathar’ (1958) and ‘Devi’ (1962), were nominated for the Palme d’Or, followed by M.S. Sathyu’s ‘Garam Hawa’ (1974), which had been shortlisted for the Grand Prix…reports Asian Lite News
India’s association with the Cannes Film Festival is as old as the world’s most anticipated showcase of global cinema, whose 77th edition will open in the French Riviera on Tuesday.
It began with Chetan Anand’s ‘Neecha Nagar’ winning the then highest award, Grand Prix du Festival International du Film, in the festival’s inaugural year — 1946. The gritty film shared the honour with David Lean’s ‘Brief Encounters’.
A little more than half a decade later, V. Shantaram’s ‘Amar Bhoopali’ (1952), a Marathi biopic on a poet and musician Honaji Balai in the early 19th century, and Raj Kapoor’s classic ‘Awaara’ (1953) were nominated for the Grand Prix, but could not get the coveted prize; Shantaram’s film, however, won an award for best sound recording.
After these near misses came four back-to-back trophies for Indian films that made it to the competition section at Cannes — Bimal Roy’s ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ (1954) got the International Prize; Baby Naaz got a Special Mention as Child Artiste for ‘Boot Polish’ (1955), produced by Raj Kapoor; Satyajit Ray’s debut film ‘Pather Panchali’ got the Palme d’Or for Best Human Document; and finally, in 1957, Rajbans Khanna’s ‘Gotama Buddha’ earned him a Special Mention (Short Film) as Director (Hrishikesh Mukherjee, incidentally, was the film’s editor).
Then followed an extended drought, although Satyajit Ray’s ‘Parash Pathar’ (1958) and ‘Devi’ (1962), were nominated for the Palme d’Or, followed by M.S. Sathyu’s ‘Garam Hawa’ (1974), which had been shortlisted for the Grand Prix.
Mrinal Sen ended this long wait with his film ‘Kharij’ (1983) — he had to be content with the Jury Prize, though, despite being nominated for a Palm d’Or. In the following year, Satyajit Ray’s eponymous film based on Rabindranath Tagore’s novel, ‘Ghare Baire’, was also nominated for the Palme d’Or, but the master had to return empty-handed.
Since then, Indian films have been making their presence felt, though all of them may not have grabbed the headlines.
In 1988, Mira Nair won the Caméra d’Or Audience Award for her debut feature film, ‘Salaam Bombay!’. Shaji N. Karun got a Caméra d’Or Special Mention for his acclaimed Malayalam film ‘Piravi’ (1989) about Prof. T.V. Eachara Warrier, whose college-going son was killed in police custody during the Emergency.
In 1991, Deepa Mehta won a Caméra d’Or Special Mention for ‘Sam & Me’, though the film was listed as a Canadian production. That year turned out to be doubly special for India after Aribam Syam Sharma’s ‘Ishanou’, a film in the Meitei language, was nominated for the top award in the festival’s Un Certain Regard segment. It was a first for any film from India’s North-East.
Then came the double good news of 1994. Malayalam director Shaji N. Karun’s ‘Swaham’ was nominated for the Palme d’Or — an honour that has come 30 long years later to Payal Kapadia. Satyajit Ray’s son Sandip Ray’s Bengali film, ‘Uttaran’, got the nomination for the Un Certain Regard Award. Both films, however, did not get the award they had been nominated for.
Towards the end of a dry 1990s, Murali Nair’s ‘Marana Simhasanam’ (1999), a Malayalam film about the first execution by electric chair in India, won the Camera d’Or, an award that goes to the best first feature film.
What followed in the opening decades of the 2000s were minor but not insignificant awards. These were for Manish Jha’s ‘A Very Very Silent Film’ (2002; Short Film Jury Prize); Gitanjali Rao’s animated film ‘Printed Rainbow’ (2006; Grand Rail d’Or Audience Award); and Ritesh Batra’s celebrated Irrfan Khan-starrer ‘The Lunchbox’ (2013; Grand Rail d’Or Audience Award).
Karan Johar’s ‘Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh (Bombay Talkies)’, the four-in-one package of short films celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema, was nominated for the Queer Palm in 2015 without success.
In recent years, Kanu Behl’s neo-noir crime drama, ‘Titli’, got nominated for but did not win the Camera D’Or in 2014. In the following year, 2015, Neeraj Ghaywan’s acclaimed film ‘Masaan’, starring Richa Chadha and Vicky Kaushal (it was his debut film), won the FIPRESCI Prize in the Un Certain Regard section.
Gurvinder Singh (‘Chauthi Koot’; 2015) and Nandita Das (‘Manto’; 2018) were nominated but did not come home with the Un Certain Regard Award.
Payal Kapadia, who’s in contention this year for the Palme d’Or for her debut feature film ‘All We Imagine is Light’, won the Golden Eye for her documentary, ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’ in 2021, and in the subsequent year, Delhi’s Shaunak Sen went home with the same award for ‘All That Breathes’, which also made it to the Oscars shortlist.
As the curtains go up on Cannes, all eyes will be on Kapadia’s film about two nurses who are tortured by their relationships and what they discover when they take a road trip to a beach for a holiday. It’s been 30 years since an Indian film was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or. Shaji Karun wasn’t successful in 1994. Will Payal Kapadia script history in 2024?
From soulful melodies to improvisational virtuosity, attendees can expect unforgettable performances that showcase the boundless creativity of jazz artists…reports Asian Lite News
Bahrain’s International Jazz Festival, the kingdom’s premier celebration of jazz music, is set to return for its 7th edition, taking place on April 26, at Royal Golf Club, in Al Mazrowiah, Bahrain. Under the theme “Jazz For All, All For Jazz,” Bahrain’s International Jazz Festival 2024 will celebrate the universal language of jazz that surpasses cultural and generational boundaries.
Since its inception, the festival has evolved into a beloved international music extravaganza, firmly establishing itself as a highlight on Bahrain’s event calendar. Having welcomed over 30,000 visitors over the past six years, the festival has showcased some of the finest talents in jazz music from around the world.
This year, the festival announces its recognition as the only festival in the Middle East to be designated by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz/UNESCO as a Global Organizational Partner of International Jazz Day. This esteemed recognition underscores the festival’s unwavering commitment to advancing the development of jazz in the Middle East.
The festival will feature an exciting lineup of world-class jazz musicians, encompassing a diverse range of styles and influences. From soulful melodies to improvisational virtuosity, attendees can expect unforgettable performances that showcase the boundless creativity of jazz artists.
In addition to live performances, the festival will offer a variety of activities and experiences for attendees of all ages. From workshops and masterclasses to interactive jam sessions, the festival provides opportunities for both seasoned musicians and aspiring talents to engage with the vibrant jazz community.
More than 15 curated projects by creators with a strong presence in the Indian film industry are being presented at CIFF/market. CIFF will also feature workshops, master classes, and panel discussions for the benefit of festival and industry delegates…reports Asian Lite News
Chandigarh, which is set to host its first international film festival — Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) from March 27 to 31 — is not just meant to expose the audiences in the region to around 80 of the finest international and Indian films, but will also boast of a CIFF/market to facilitate the business and craft of filmmaking.
The film festival will open with the Cannes Award-winning French film ‘The Taste of Things’ starring Juliette Binoche, and close with South Korea’s highest-grossing film of 2024 to date — the Horror-Mystery-Thriller ’Exhuma’ (Pamyo) which premiered at the 2024 Berlinale.More than 15 curated projects by creators with a strong presence in the Indian film industry are being presented at CIFF/market. CIFF will also feature workshops, master classes, and panel discussions for the benefit of festival and industry delegates.“We are expecting a lot of potential producers and filmmakers to come face-to-face. There are also a lot of producers who wish to enter the industry but do not know how to. For filmmakers, it is very tough to raise funds in this industry. And setting up venues and meetings will help,” Nina Lath, Founder & CEO of Cinevesture told IANS in a special interaction.This former MD of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), who joined the organisation in 2006 after quitting the Indian Revenue Service, was instrumental in giving NFDC a new lease on life. It was under her leadership that NFDC produced or co-produced some very fine films — Dibakar Banerjee’s ‘Shanghai’, Qaushiq Mukherjee’s ‘Tasher Desh’, Gurvinder Singh’s debut film, ‘Anhey Ghorhey Da Daan’, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and won three National Awards, Anand Gandhi’s ‘Ship of Theseus’ and Ritesh Batra’s ‘The Lunchbox’.She also set up the successful Film Bazaar, the Screenwriters Labs, and the Viewing Room. Almost every movie in the WIP Lab made it to international film festivals.“Chandigarh is an interesting city with design as its genesis. In terms of logistics too, it makes a lot of sense to hold something of this scale here. Not to mention the huge student population from across the region that comes here to study,” says Lath, revealing that they want CIFF to be an annual feature though this time they are testing waters.With films from India, Serbia, France, Bangladesh, and the US besides many in Indian languages including Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, and Malayalam, she stresses that the audiences will be the main stakeholders. “Precisely why we are doing ‘People Choice awards’ – only they get to decide what works and what does not. Beena Paul, the Artistic Director, and VS Kundu, the former Head of the National Films Division of India as the Director of the Film Festival are great assets for CIFF.”Talking about the Children’s section where they will also be taught how to make films, and a host of workshops and masterclasses that will be organised during the event, Lath adds, “I have always believed that it is paramount for children to be exposed to the arts from a young age. The workshops and masterclasses line-up is very interesting, and we expect excellent participation. For instance, Emmy Award winner Chase Guttman will conduct a workshop on Drone photography and cinematography.”Talk to her about the current state of independent cinema in India, and Lath is optimistic. She is however not in favour of giving subsidies. ”New filmmakers need support. Filmmaking is not like other arts. A lot of careers are at stake, there is an obligation to make a return on investment. Precisely what, at CIFF, we will be doing a lot of workshops and looking at things from the point of view of producers. It is important to understand how people are responding to movies. Investment in the projects, sales, and the director and the writer are not the only people needed. Everyone needs to have a skill set. There is a gap in demand and supply in terms of skill sets. So. how as a producer does one analyse a script, we want to address these questions.”Even as numerous film festivals have started in smaller towns in the country, for example, cities in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, UP, and Madhya Pradesh, Lath feels there is a need for more. “This development is healthy. Audiences get acquainted with the fact that there is another kind of cinema that exists too — beyond the mainstream. Even if the scale is small, more such festivals should come up. They precipitate conversations around independent films which is extremely important.”Lamenting the demise of the film club culture, she feels while there is a need to revive them, they must not restrict their conversations to analysing the films just on the thematic level but also look at production values.
A New Era of Film Culture
Chandigarh is set to host its first international film festival — Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) from March 27 to 31. The opening film of the festival is Cannes Award-winning French film ‘The Taste of Things’ starring Juliette Binoche. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anh Hung Tran, the historical romantic drama won the award for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
The closing film is South Korea’s highest-grossing film of 2024 to date — the Horror-Mystery-Thriller ’Exhuma’ (Pamyo), which premiered at the 2024 Berlinale. Both the opening and closing films will have their India premieres at the festival and shall be open-air screenings in the Government Museum & Arts Gallery, Sector 10, the main venue of CIFF 2024.The festival will showcase 24 award-winning international features in the World Cinema section, 17 indie gems in the India Unveiled, 27 shorts in Brief Encounters, a curated section of children’s films and timeless classics. Programming highlights include internationally acclaimed films like 2024 Oscar contender Holocaust drama, ’The Zone of Interest’, Palme d’Or Winner and Academy Nominee Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, 2023 Academy Award-winner, ’The Whale’ starring Brendan Fraser, a gripping documentary which won at Berlinale, ’Seven Winters in Tehran’, Singapore’s Oscar entry, ’Breaking Ice’, the Roshan Mathew starrer ’Paradise’, and the animation feature ’Sultana’s Dreams’ among others. Award-winning Indian features and docs such as Toronto International Film Festival winner Marathi film ‘Sthal’, Venice Film Festival film ‘Stolen’, Rima Das’ Assamese film ’Tora’s Husband’, Deepa Mehta’s TIFF film, ’I am Sirat’, auteur filmmaker Gurvinder Singh’s Punjabi feature ’Adh Chanani Raat’, Harjit Singh’s documentary on the late Punjabi painter and writer’ Imroz-A Walk Down The Memory Lane’, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Malayalam film ’Malaikottai Vaaliban’, Sreemoyee Singh’s documentary, ’And, Towards Happy Alleys’, an ode to Iranian cinema and poetry featuring Jafar Panahi, Varun Grover’s short ’Kiss’ and the Riz Ahmed starrer short ’Dammi’. International features, ‘Roleless’, ’The Tenants’ will have India premieres at the festival and short films Dammi and Suddenly TV will have their Asia premiere.
A host of stars will be attending the festival including Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Roshan Mathew, Gulshan Devaiah, Varun Grover, Rasika Duggal, Rashmeet Kaur (singer), Hansal Mehta, Shekhar Kapur, Sudhir Mishra, and Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, among others. The opening and closing films will be open air screenings in the Government Museum & Arts Gallery, Sector 10, the main venue of CIFF 2024. Three more Open Air screenings are scheduled of the classics ’Jalsaghar’ (Satyajit’s Ray’s 1958 musical), Guru Dutt’s ’Kaagaz Ke Phool’ (1959) and ’The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone’ (2020), a recut of the original Godfather 3 by Francis Ford Coppola to mark the 30th anniversary of the film. The open air screen is 60 feet wide. An experiential cinema exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand is being set up in the Rose Garden Underpass in collaboration with National Film Archives (NFDC) and students of Chandigarh College of Architecture. A screening of Children’s films is open to all children from the ages of 10-17 years at 9 a.m. from March 27-31 at Cinepolis Jagat. This inaugural edition of the festival will also feature CIFF/market to facilitate the business and craft of filmmaking. More than 15 curated projects by creators with a strong presence in the Indian film industry are being presented at CIFF/market. CIFF will also feature workshops, master classes and panel discussions for the benefit of festival and industry delegates. The festival is being organised by Cinevesture Pvt. Ltd. Nina Lath is the Founder and CEO of the company. The festival is supported by the Government Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh, Department of Tourism Chandigarh, and Chandigarh Administration. VS Kundu IAS (Retd) and a former Head of the National Films Division of India has come aboard as the Director of the Film Festival and industry veteran Bina Paul as the Artistic Director of CIFF. The advisory board of CIFF has the presence of Bahubali star and leading film producer, Rana Daggubati, Jerome Paillard, who served as Head of the Cannes Film Market, Festival de Cannes from 1995 to 2022, Nicole Guillemet, former Co-Director of Sundance Film Festival, the celebrated Indian filmmaker Ajitpal Singh (Fire in the Mountains and Tabbar) and other experts in the field of film making.
The main venues of CIFF will be the Government Museum and Art Gallery (GMAG), Sector 10 and Cinepolis theatres in Sector 17 Chandigarh. Nina Lath, Founder and CEO of Cinevesture said: “Cinevesture International Film Festival is envisaged as a platform for the two key stakeholders, namely audiences and producers. Its various verticals have been designed keeping the same in mind. We trust that in time, CIFF will serve as a reliable festival offering high-quality content for audiences and enhanced business opportunities for the film industry.” CIFF Director, V. S. Kundu said: “CIFF is the first global-scale cinema event to ever happen in Chandigarh with the support of Chandigarh Tourism, the Department of Culture and Chandigarh Administration. It is a truly international film festival designed to match the best international film festivals.” “We endeavour to build a strong foundation for an annual event that the global film industry will look forward to, and which will foster effective business relationships between producers and distributors and the filmmakers of the region,” he said. Bina Paul, Artistic Director of CIFF said: “This year at the launch of the Cinevesture film festival, the focus of programming is to bring a potpourri of cinema to the people of Chandigarh. There will be something for everyone. Festival favourite International and Indian films for film buffs and for students, and the latest trends in Korean, Japanese and French cinema will be on show.
Children will get a chance to see films from many parts of the world, hearing stories they may otherwise not. Attending filmmakers, producers, and technicians will interact with audiences and share their experiences, thus enriching the viewing experience. A film festival opens up the world.” Naveen, Director, Government Museum & Arts Gallery Chandigarh said: “While the museum has been attracting diverse audiences and promoting cultural understanding through its exhibitions, its support for the Cinevesture International Film Festival marks a significant step forward in positioning itself in Chandigarh as a hub of cultural exchange and enrichment. This will not only lead to an increase in footfalls but also provide an opportunity to showcase the museum’s facilities as a venue for cultural events, potentially attracting future collaborations and partnerships.”
MUBI Specials will include Four features –‘The Delinquents, Sophia Coppola’s acclaimed ‘Priscilla’ based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir and Ira Sach’s LGBTQIA+ love story ‘Passages’ and the multi-country production ‘Settlers’…reports Asian Lite News
Cinephiles are in for a treat as the annual event celebrating of acclaimed cinema ‘Habitat International Film Festival’ is back with a showcase of over 60 films from 30 countries. Scheduled from March 8 to 17 at India Habitat Centre, this year, Germany is the focus country in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi with support from Lufthansa Group. As the festival kicks off on International Women’s Day, the curation puts a spotlight on women directors and movies with a focused lens on women-centric issues.
The festival is divided into multiple sections that coalesce movies in a thematic thread. The main sub-themes of this edition are ‘New Voices’, ‘Famous Filmmakers’, ‘Documentary’, and ‘Coming of Age’. There will also be workshops and masterclasses, MUBI special films, a virtual reality programme – VROOOOM, NETPAC award-winning films, and a showcasing of a series of Oscar and Golden Globe-winning feature films. Free passes will be available from March 1 at www.habitatworld.com.
Sunit Tandon, Director, of India Habitat Centre says, “The HIFF is back in its full-fledged form this year, with an exciting line-up of top-notch new cinema from across the world, with a focus on German cinema, a return of the much-loved and successful VR Section, two Masterclasses and sections featuring NETPAC Award Winners and MUBI specials. All of this curated for us by the wonderful HabitatProgrammes Team led by Vidyun Singh.”
“A Festival of films that brings you a selection of the incredible talent of some of the best International filmmakers who craft narratives that cannot fail to touch hearts and evoke concern, empathy, sympathy, understanding, urgency, admiration, and hope,” addsmVidyun Singh, Creative Head Programmes, India Habitat Centre
Acclaimed filmmaker Margarethe von Trotta’s ‘Ingeborg Bachmann: Journey into the Desert’ and 2024 nominee for Palme d’Or and Best International Feature Film at the Oscars ‘Perfect Days’ by Wim Wenders will be showcased in the famous filmmakers’ segment. ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’ by Ilker Catak and Sophie Linnenbaum’s ‘The Ordinaries’ which won nominations in several categories at the German Film Awards 2023 will be showcased in the New Voices section. Other films in this category include ‘Sisi and I’ by Frauke Finsterwalder and ‘Orphea in Love’ by Alex Ranisch. Also featured will be Steffi Niederzoll’s Seven Winters in Tehran, a moving and shockingly topical documentary debut, where Niederzoll uses original audio and visual material smuggled out of Iran.
VROOOM – a Virtual Reality Film Experience, launched in 2023 by Goethe- Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi as part of HIFF will return with a new set of innovative and interesting works of filmmakers from around the world, who are using Virtual Reality or 360-degree filmmaking to convey their powerful stories.
In the ‘Coming-of-Age’ section, ‘Mission Ulja Funk’ by Barbara Kronenberg and Joya Thome’s ‘One in A Million’ will be screened. A masterclass on Editing with Kai Eiermann, a film editor and script consultant based in Berlin, Germany will also be held. Ulrich Schrauth who is also the curator of the VROOOOM – A Virtual Reality Film Experience and an artistic director for VRHAM! Festival Virtual Reality & Arts Hamburg, XR & Immersive Programmer for the British Film Institute (BFI), and the London Film Festival will also hold a masterclass and workshop.
MUBI Specials will include Four features –‘The Delinquents, Sophia Coppola’s acclaimed ‘Priscilla’ based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir and Ira Sach’s LGBTQIA+ love story ‘Passages’ and the multi-country production ‘Settlers’.
The NETPAC film screening at HIFF will be introduced by Bina Paul, Joint President, NETPAC. The films that will be showcased include ‘Sunday/Yakshanba’ (Uzbekistan/ Uzbek/ 2023), directed by Shokir Kholikov, ‘Whispering Mountains’ ( Sri Lanka/ Sinhalese/ 2023), directed by Jagath Manuwarna, ‘Solids by the Seashore’ (Thailand/Thai/ 2023), directed by Patiparn Boontarig and ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’/The Missing (Animation/ Philippines,Thailand/ Filipino and Ilocano/ 2023, directed by Carl Joseph E. Papa.
In the ‘Women In Film’ films including ‘The Peasants’ about Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her path within the confines of a late 19th-century Polish village, and ‘Inshallah A Boy’, Jordan’s official entry to the Oscars 2023 will be screened.
Bina Paul has been brought on board as the Director of Programming, along with a dedicated team of three film programmers — Monica Gyamlani, Eleonora Bosco, and Tony Xavier…reports Asian Lite News
Known for its thought-provoking programming, addressing contemporary issues and universal human experiences, the festival has managed to build a strong network of independent filmmakers and film professionals across South Asia, further solidifying its impact on the independent film scene…reports Asian Lite News
She says the upcoming 12th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), scheduled to be held from November 4 to 7, with a lineup of about 94 films set to be screened over a span of 4 days — 32 feature Fiction, 21 feature Documentaries, and 40 Short Films, will showcase how the festival has gone beyond bringing independent cinema to the Himalayan region.
For Ritu Sarin, the co-founder, DIFF, has evolved significantly over the years, from its modest beginnings in 2012 to becoming one of India’s prominent independent film festivals.
“Its initial focus on bringing independent cinema to the Himalayan region and nurturing local filmmaking talent has expanded. Today, it serves as a cultural platform engaging diverse communities, with a broad national and international audience,” she tells IANS.
Known for its thought-provoking programming, addressing contemporary issues and universal human experiences, the festival has managed to build a strong network of independent filmmakers and film professionals across South Asia, further solidifying its impact on the independent film scene.
This year’s festival will be held at the Tibetan Children’s Village in upper Dharamshala, allowing the organisers, who are well-known artists and filmmakers, the possibility of expanding to four screens. A dedicated children’s film section will showcase films specifically to engage and entertain younger audiences.
“We will also build on its collaboration with Festival des 3 Continents’ Produire au Sud (PAS) and Institut Francais to continue its Filmlab South Asia workshop, which was started last year,” adds Sarin.
“A curated selection of five outstanding film projects hailing from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have been chosen for the training programme, which focuses on international co-production, further bolstering the Himalayan region’s independent filmmaking scene,” says co-founder Tenzing Sonam.
In fact, Bina Paul has been brought on board as the Director of Programming, along with a dedicated team of three film programmers — Monica Gyamlani, Eleonora Bosco, and Tony Xavier.
Sonam feels that Bina’s impressive background as the former Artistic Director of the International Film Festival of Kerala and her experience as a film editor makes her an invaluable addition to the team.
While getting financial support, from both state and Central government entities, has been a consistent challenge, the organisers are hopeful for some government funding this year. The festival essentially relies on diverse funding sources and partnerships, including TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art, a prominent international art and advocacy foundation from Spain, which has been a pivotal supporter besides strategic partnerships with embassies and cultural institutions.
Over the years, DIFF has carved out a distinctive identity in the festival circuit through a blend of factors and individuals. With a focus on championing independent cinema, it provides a unique platform for lesser-known voices and stories from both the South Asian region and around the world.
“By doing this, we have filled an important niche in the Indian cinema landscape where there was a shortage of truly independent film festivals,” asserts Sarin.
For some years now, the festival has also been conducting ‘DIFF On The Road’, a travelling event in collaboration with various organisations and cultural institutions across the country.
“This initiative aims to showcase documentaries and features selected from previous editions of the festival. Our goal is to create a non-partisan cultural platform for dialogue on the art of cinema and the politics of filmmaking,” concludes Sonam.
Born in India to Tibetan refugee parents, her personal experiences and background have greatly influenced her filmmaking through themes like family separation, displacement, and political subjugation…reports Asian Lite News
Tibetan filmmaker Tsering Wangmo, born and raised in India, has won top honors at the eighth juried competition of the ‘Cinema at Citygarden’ programme.
Organised by Cinema St. Louis (CSL) and funded by the Gateway Foundation, the programme recognises local filmmakers who skillfully incorporate nature into their short films.
Wangmo’s film Boundaries, won the first prize and prize money of $1,500.
Anthropology student at Washington University in St. Louis, Wangmo’s films have delved into profound themes such as exile, refugees, statelessness, belongingness, memory, identity, and the generational trauma resulting from war and displacement, says Tibetan news portal Phayul.
Born in India to Tibetan refugee parents, her personal experiences and background have greatly influenced her filmmaking through themes like family separation, displacement, and political subjugation.
She is an alumna of NYU’s documentary film production program. She also studied journalism at Madras Christian College and mass communication at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) before pursuing a course in documentary filmmaking in New York.
Her previous projects, including Tibet’s ‘Nomad in Exile’ (2018), ‘Looking Back in Exile’ (2018), ‘Horse’ (2019), ‘Conversation with My Mother’ (2019), ‘In the Mountains’ (2020), and her award-winning film ‘Boundaries’ (2023), explore the complex questions faced by the Tibetan diaspora in exile.
Jessica Pierce, one of this year’s jurors, said, “Many of this year’s submissions spoke to the heart of Cinema at Citygarden, but the winners stood out with their clever meditations on nature, humanity, and whatever it is that lies in between.”
Wangmo has earlier won three awards at My Hero International Film Festival (MHIFF), including the prestigious 2019 Eva Haller Women Transforming Media (WTM) Award in the student division of MHIFF.
The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.(photo:IANSLIFE)
The Virtual film festival is a great opportunity for all cinema lovers and people who are generally interested in discovering new cultures & stories to get access to films that are not easily available and may not ever have a theatrical release…reports Asian Lite News
The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) wrapped off its physical edition in New Delhi on November 13 and launched its virtual version from November 15 through December 15 of 2022. The Indian audience will have access to 35 films in 25 languages, spanning 6 genres, and they may stream them whenever and whenever they want.
The virtual avatar of the 27th edition of EUFF will bring to the audience a boutique of 30 days of handpicked, high-quality cinema that’s curated to delight them. It brings award-winning movies across three sections: Eurorama: screening latest, award-winning movies from across 27 EU member states; India @ European Film Festivals: curated by Dharamshala International Film Festival it’s a selection of outstanding Indian films that have participated at prestigious European film festivals; and Green Cinema: Addressing Climate Change.
The specially curated “India@ European Film Festival” section celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relationship between the EU and India and puts a spotlight on the works of some of the most watched filmmakers from India such as Rajan Khosa, Shrihari Sathe, Rima Das and Shubhashish Bhutiani.
The Virtual film festival is a great opportunity for all cinema lovers and people who are generally interested in discovering new cultures & stories to get access to films that are not easily available and may not ever have a theatrical release. The European Union Film Festival is by design the cinema through a completely new lens- the lens of curators who search the world of stories that have the capability to take us by surprise and provide an absolutely new perspective on cinema.
The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.(photo:IANSLIFE)
The “free for all” festival organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Embassies of EU Member States and regional partners, will feature movies from India and 27 EU member states – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Highlighting individual stories yet reflecting universal experiences, these films offer a ‘Window to Europe’ and demonstrate the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and create shared experiences.
Commenting on the festival, H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India said: “It gives me great pleasure to bring the virtual edition of the European Union Film Festival to a larger audience in India. The festival will take audiences on a journey across Europe & India through different genres such as comedy, action, drama and animation. As we mark 60 years of EU-India diplomatic relationship this year, the film festival is a testament to our long-standing cultural ties. To celebrate this landmark, the ‘virtual leg of the festival’ will showcase a special section on ‘India @ European Festivals’ featuring the best of Indian cinema. Cinema is a bridge between different cultures; it provides insights into everyday lives, experiences, aspirations beyond geographical boundaries. I invite you on an unparalleled cinematic journey across Europe. Happy viewing!”
Talking about the line up, curators Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso said: “The line up at the 27th edition of the European Union Film Festival is aimed at creating a dialogue while also taking a viewer on a cathartic journey. The festival offers an exciting mix of genres and styles, from new spectacular frontiers of documentary to the ever more sophisticated and lively field of animation, from the bittersweet laughs of sharp comedy to the emotional touch of moving drama and the power-packed world of action. Our selection underlines the crucial role of intergenerational and intercultural dialogues as a way to banish stereotypes.”
They added: “Europe & India share a long-standing love for stories that has manifested over the years through mutual inspiration, learning and inter-cultural dialogues. And the European Union Film Festival this year is a celebration of this deep bond and stories that restore the depth of the human experience, beyond limits and borders.”
The films to be screened at the virtual edition of EUFF 2022 are: European films
Austria/Fox in a Hole; Belgium/Playground; Bulgaria/The Naked Truth About Zhiguli Band (Golata istina za grupa Zhiguli); Croatia/Even Pigs Go to Heaven (Nosila je rubac crleni); Cyprus/Dog; Czech Republic/Even Mice Belong in Heaven (Mysi patri do nebe); Denmark/Riders of Justice; Estonia/Rain; Finland/Force of Habit (En vanefraga); France/Les Parfumes; Germany/Coup; Greece/Tailor I Raftis; Hungary/Wild Roots (Kulon falka); Ireland/Rose Plays Julie; Italy/Easy Living (Easy Living- La Vita Facile); Latvia/The Pit (Bedre); Lithuania/Feature Film About Life; Luxembourg/Io Sto Bene; Malta/ Luzzu; Netherlands/Romy’s; Portugal/My Grandfather’s Demon (Os demonios do meu avo); Romania/The Island; Slovenia/Sanremo; Slovakia/Chlieb Nas Kazdodenny (Liquid Bread); Spain The Volunteer (La voluntaria); Sweden/ Comedy Queen
The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) goes pan-India.( Photo:IANSLIFE)
Ukrainian Film
My Thoughts Are Silent
Climate Change Films
Denmark/ Into the Ice; France / The Velvet Queen; India / Jharia ; India/ The Climate Challenge
Indian Films
Ek Hazarachi Note; Gattu: Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) ; Village Rockstars
Registration Process to watch the films virtually:
Login to www.euffindia.com
Click on the film you want to see
You will be redirected to Festival Scope
If it is your first visit, you will have to register here
For 27th International Film Festival of Kerala, Serbia will be the Country in Focus.(photo:/www.iffk.in)
IFFK is hosted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Over the years, the IFFK has become a delight for film buffs who come from far and wide…reports Asian Lite News
As the famed International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) returns with a bang after the Covid pandemic, its 27th edition will be held here from December 9 to 16, and this time, Serbia will be the Country in Focus.
Six Serbian films are slated to be screened in this category including Milos Pusic’s ‘Working Class Heroes’ which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this year.
Along with that, Oscar nominated director Stefan Arsenijevic’s vividly crafted and performed drama ‘Far As I Can Walk’ is a contemporary refugee story. The film won top prize at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, 2021.
Srdan Golubovic’s compelling drama ‘Father, Oasis’, again a festival favourite, directed by Ivan Ikic, Hadzi-Aleksandar Djurovic’s ‘Cross in the Desert’ and family drama ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ by Sinisa Cvetic which was in Competition at Moscow International Film Festival this year, all figure in the section.
IFFK is hosted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Over the years, the IFFK has become a delight for film buffs who come from far and wide.
The eight-day fest conducts the screening of films in the categories International Competition, Malayalam Cinema Today, Indian Cinema Now, World Cinema, Country Focus, Retrospectives of major filmmakers, Contemporary Focus, Homages and various curated packages. Coupled with film screenings, platforms like Open Forum and workshops are also organised for the delegates to interact with film fraternities from all over the world. The annual Aravindan Memorial Lecture is a major event in the Festival.
Actor Akshay Kumar too was part of the official delegation but had to opt-out after he tested positive for COVID-19…reports Asian Lite News
The opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival commenced on Tuesday as Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur led the star-studded Indian delegation on the Red Carpet at Palais des Festivals.
The glamorous red-carpet contingent along with the Union Minister included R Madhavan, Ricky Kej, Vani Tripathi, Prasoon Joshi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shekhar Kapur.
While Madhavan and Nawazuddin opted for black tuxedos, Ricky, Prasoon and Anurag could be seen dressed in bandhgala suits of blue, black and cream colours respectively. Vani wore a beautiful blue saree and Shekhar donned a white kurta with a Nehru jacket.
Apart from these Nayanthara, Pooja Hegde, Tamannaah Bhatia and folk singer Mame Khan are also a part of the Indian delegation led by the Information and Broadcasting Minister. Actor Akshay Kumar too was part of the official delegation but had to opt-out after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Earlier, Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone who is currently creating waves at Cannes Film Festival as a jury member attended the red carpet ceremony wearing a saree designed by Sabyasachi.
At the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival India has been named the ‘Country of Honour’ at the Marche du Film, the business counterpart of the marquee event.
Ricky proud to be part of ‘country of honour’ delegation
Indian musician Ricky Kej, who made whole country proud with his second win at Grammy Award earlier this year, feels special to be a part of the Indian delegation at Cannes Film Festival 2022.
Ricky also expressed his happiness on being at Cannes during the 75th edition of the festival. “I have attended Cannes Film Festival twice in the past and I absolutely love being here, The energy is exhilarating here. I feel great to be here especially because I am representing Indian delegation here. It just feels extra special to be at the 75th edition of Cannes Film Festival,” Ricky told.
Apart from Ricky, AR Rahman, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nayanthara, Pooja Hegde, Prasoon Joshi, R Madhavan, Shekhar Kapur, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vani Tripathi and folk singer Mame Khan are also a part of the Indian delegation led by Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur.
Actor Akshay Kumar too was part of the official delegation but had to opt out after he tested positive for COVID-19. India has been named a “country of honour” at Cannes this year. (ANI)
Tamannaah feels honoured at Red Carpet
Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia is attending the 2022 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur led star-studded Indian delegation.
While speaking about being part of the festival, the ‘Baahubali’ actor shared that she’s very excited. “I am so excited about this, it’s such an honour and I am really looking forward,” she said. For her Red-Carpet look, Tamannaah had donned an elegant ball gown which had a trail. She rounded her look with smoky eyes and diamond earrings.
Apart from her, the Indian delegates at the 75th Cannes Film Festival include Ricky Kej, Vani Tripathi, Prasoon Joshi, AR Rahman, R Madhavan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pooja Hegde, Shekhar Kapur and folk singer Mame Khan.
On Wednesday, the Indian pavilion at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival will be inaugurated on Wednesday with a video message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the launch, Thakur along with a host of dignitaries will be present. (ANI)
