Originality is the focus of 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival
Kolkata, Nov 11 (IBNS) The 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival, which is underway now, has opened several new windows to cinema one does not get to see even at film festivals, not to talk of theatrical screenings. One of these is a selection of some films in rare Indian languages that we know little or nothing about.
This section has been aptly titled Unheard India -Cinema in Unheard Indian Languages has been curated by Santanu Ganguly who has established himself firmly in the art of curating films for film festivals across the country and beyond.
It is amazing to discover that though these are remote places without the ideal climate or the infrastructure or even the necessary audience, filmmaking has been going on for some time in recent years.
Manju Borah, a National Award-winning filmmaker from Assam has ventured into making feature films in different rare languages of the North East and her film is featured in this section.
Sonam - The Unfortunate One by Ahsan Majid has created history of a kind because it is the first ever feature film made in Monpa, a rare Indian language.
Satarupa Sanyal who has honed her skills and established herself firmly in the Bengali cinema world with National Award to her credit has this time made Tanyabi in the Chakma language which holds special place because of the political turmoils these people have been facing for years together.
This is a love story inspired from a local folk lore. We may get to learn of a completely different culture along with an insight into the language itself. Khasi language is being represented by Onaatah directed by Pradip Kurbah which shed light on the concept and wrong patriarchal ideology that ostracizes victims of sexual harassment instead of ostracizing the perpetrators.
The Dogri film Pebbles has been made by J and K State Cultural Academy’s Best Director Award Winner, Rahul Sharma. Director of photography is Bharat Arora, who is also an expert, creative and experienced cinematographer.
Based on true incidents from the city temples (Jammu),"Geetiyan" (The Pebbles) describes the era of 1980s and it portrays behaviour of small street gangsters and their lifestyle.
Vicky, a small gangster with his three friends-Gopal, Punnu and Raju wishes to rule the whole town.
ABCD in Konkani is the story of four children belonging to varied background in terms of caste and religion. It is inspired by by "Aa Vai Jaa Saa" principles initiated to them by a saintly person Satya Swamy. The film has been written and directed by Dr. K. Ramesh Kamath.
One more film, Husband’s Home, directed by M.D. Kowshik also features in this section.
The 23rd KIFF was launched at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Friday in the presence of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan among others.
(Reporting by Shoma A. Chatterji)
Image: KIFF FB
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