Films alone cannot create a revolution, but can create noise- Hemal Trivedi, Director of “Among the Believers”
The Director Hemal Trivedi (Pakistan/USA), Producer Kamran Gasimov (Azerbaijan), Writer Marian Urban (Czech Republic/ Slovakia) and the Director Georgi Balabanov, (Bulgaria), at a press conference, during the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2015), in Panaji, Goa on November 27, 2015.
Films alone cannot create a
revolution, but can create noise- Hemal Trivedi, Director of “Among the
Believers”
Build a road without any barriers, without any boundaries- Marian Urban, Producer of ‘Hostage’
Goa Film Fest is well organised Festival- Kamran Gasimov, producer of ‘Bloody January’
Build a road without any barriers, without any boundaries- Marian Urban, Producer of ‘Hostage’
Goa Film Fest is well organised Festival- Kamran Gasimov, producer of ‘Bloody January’
“Films
cannot create revolution, but they can add to the noise, sometime loud,
sometime low.” This was observed by Hemal Trivedi, Director of the movie ‘Among
the believers’, while interacting with media persons at IFFI Goa today.
Referring to terrorism in Pakistan, Hemal commented, “because of some
fundamentalists the whole nation suffers. It is for the people to find the
solution themselves.” Expressing concern over narrow perception about
terrorism, the Director said that she herself had to face death threats after
the first release of the film in April 2015. It was re-launched later in
October 2015.
The film revolves
around a charismatic cleric in Pakistan who has raised the war against the
state. The film also follows the lives of two teenager students who have
attended madrasahs run by cleric’s network.
During the
interaction, producer of ‘Hostage’, Marian Urban said that “people are
suffering because of conflicts and divide. Future generation should build a road
without any barriers, without dividing boundaries”. He said, everyone wants
peace in the world, but forces working for division are blocking peace, it
is a universal story,” he commented.
The movie
‘Hostage’ is a tragi-comic story about the son of a local communist officer and
his friend, both hostage of the communist regime. It depicts their first
contacts with adult world, absurd reality of relationships and, politics,
emigration, betrayal and also death.
Commenting on
transition of regime in Bulgaria after the end of communism, George Balbanov,
director of the film ‘The Petrov File’ said, “though communism had its evils
but the capitalism also led people into wilderness”. His film narrates the
story of a man who is prohibited from acting for unknown reasons during the
communism days in Bulgaria. When he reappears on stage after the end of the
regime, he realises that he was betrayed by his mentor- a person he admired the
most. He faces the complicated situation and is urged to lead a new political
party to save the country.
Briefing about the
film ‘Bloody January’ the Azerbaijani producer, Kamran Gasimov said, his film
is not about war, it’s about the situation of the people during the war, how
they suffer and survive. He said that Goa film fest is a very good platform for
showcasing films and it is well managed festival.
The movie ‘Bloody January’ tells about historic day of January 20, 1990, in
the life of the people of Azerbaijan. On that day, a small country, later
recognized as Republic of Azerbaijan, stood up to the then great Soviet Empire
to fight for its freedom and independence that led to bloodshed of innocent
civilians.
*********
No border can separate a human being from his/her
motherland, says Somnath Chakraborty
Director of the film
‘Ujantali’ SomChakraborty today said, no border can separate a human being from
his/her motherland.
Interacting with media persons at ‘Meet the Director’programme at Media Centre
on the sidelines of ongoing 46th International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) Mr. Chakrabortysaid, he was grateful to IFFI for having selected
his film in Indian Panorama.
‘Ujantali’ is a film on a young girl who is compelled to leave her
remote village in Bangladesh, along with her father. However, her memories of
the days spent there remain strongly etched in her heart. Now she is an old
woman and realizes that she may never be able to return to Bangladesh, but
once, while returning from her daughter’s house she decides, and with the help
of magic wind, to quench her thirst by viewing what is left of her beloved
Motherland Bangladesh.
SomnathChakraboty is
a young Bengali film director whose work has met with considerable critical
acclaim in recent years, both in his native India and abroad. Som was born and
raised in Howrah, West Bengal. He cut his directorial teeth in Multimedia. In
2008, he made a debut with short film titled JalhawarDinbadal (… a poetry of
moments ….. desires ….laughter…. sorrow…) shown at many national and
international festivals. However, with his second documentary movie Divine
Expressions, Som attracted serious critical attention.
***************
Widening gap between Old and New
Generation needs to be bridged, says Director of Film Radiopetti
Expressing serious concern
over the widening gap between old and new generation, Director of the film
‘Radiopetti’ Hari Viswanath today said that this gap needs to be bridged by
evolving a bond between them.
Interacting with media persons at Media Centre at ‘Meet the Director’ programme Mr. Viswanath said, instead of concentrating
on Social media, a suitable platform is required to be made available to voice
the issues concerning old people, who feel lonely in their twilight years.
He also felt that some mechanism needs to be in place to fund film projects of
budding and non-commercial film makers. He felt honoured for having screened
his film at the 46th International Film Festival of India. He
said, ‘it is a real honour for a debut film maker’.
Radiopetti is
a story of an old man, Arunachalam who finds solace in his past, especially
when listening to musical melodies of his younger days on a vintage radio set
that his father gave him. One day the vicissitudes of life put a family
member’s life in danger and Arunachalam is forced to choose between his family
and his music, knowing he will lose one forever. He is now being torn apart,
what will he chose? And will he survive his sacrifice?
Inspired by real life incidents, Filmmaker Hari Viswanath wrote and directed
his debut short film Idukkan (Suffering) which won the Best
Short Film Award in Norway Tamil Film Festival (2013). Ever since he has been
actively directing films and writing stories close to his heart.
************
Young film makers should be given
more space in Indian Panorama, says veteran Malayalam director Jayaraj
Younger film makers should be given more space in Indian Panorama, says the
Malayalam film director Jayaraj. He felt that there should be focus on issues
while selecting films for the Indian Panorama.
Interacting with
media persons at ‘Meet the Director’programme at Media Centre on the sidelines
of ongoing 46th International Film Festival of India, Mr.
Jayaraj said millions of children today are trapped in child labour and that
his film is dedicated to them. He said, Indian Panorama is animportant forum to
bring the issue of child labour to the fore.
The veteran film
maker said that online film release and promotion is a good platform,
especially for small budget films. This medium has a huge potential as large
viewership can be developed through it, he added.
Ottaal (The Trap) is an adaptation of one of Anton Chekhov’s timeless
works, Vanka. Although located in the 18th century,
the story has travelled in time and space to be retold in the present day at a
small village in South India. It is also the recipient of several awards
including the Award for Best Screenplay Adaptation, The Best film on
Environmental Conservation/ Preservation at the 62nd National
Film Awards; and a number of Kerala Film Critics Award in 2015.
JayarajRajasekharan
Nair is an Indian filmmaker who has directed over 35 films, in four languages.
His work has been critically acclaimed and awarded in 1997; his adaptation of
Shakespeare’s Othello won him the National award for Best
Director.
**************
The Directors, Uri Barbash (Israel) and Angga Dwimas Sasongko (Indonesia) at a press conference, during the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2015), in Panaji, Goa on November 27, 2015.
“Film Making is a social Adventure
and Social Dynamics”- Israeli Filmmaker Uri Barbash
“Making films after Auschwitz is a barbaric act” – Uri Barbash
“In India, Films are appreciated and given due respect” - Angga Dwimas Sasongko
“Making films after Auschwitz is a barbaric act” – Uri Barbash
“In India, Films are appreciated and given due respect” - Angga Dwimas Sasongko
“Film making is a social adventure and social dynamics”, said Israeli Film
Director Uri Barbash. The collaborative venture behind and in front of the
camera makes it both dynamic and adventurous, he said. While speaking at the
“Meet the Director’ Press Conference at IFFI 2015 today, Mr. Barbash said that
his film Kapo in Jerusalem is an attempt to find a
different poetics, a minimalist, modest way to tell the story of the survivors
of Auschwitz. He also said that for Jewish people like him, every day was
a miracle as they do not take life for granted.
Quoting the lines of famous poet Theodor Adorno, the Israeli director said
“making films after Auschwitz is a barbaric act.” He also commented that his
film, Kapo in Jerusalem is an attempt to express the
inexpressible pain of holocaust which the Jewish community lives through every
day. “The pain of Holocaust is in my spiritual DNA”, he added.
Responding to a query on his experience in India, Mr. Barbash said that he
was impressed with the extent of harmonious coexistence of different religions
and cultures in India, especially that in Goa”
Angga Dwimas Sasongko, Filmmaker from Indonesia, who was also present at
the Press Conference, narrated his experiences in making the film Filosofi
Kopi. “Through the metaphor of coffee, I have tried to explore the
past of a group of characters and their lives,” he said. “I travelled for one
year in Indonesian villages to know about the various dimensions of coffee” he
added.
Mr. Sasongko said that he received an interesting feedback from Indian
viewers on his film Filosofi Kopi that they started
drinking coffee instead of tea. He also added that in India, films are well
appreciated and given due respect, which is not the case in his country.
Backgrounders
· Both Kapo
in Jerusalem and Filosofi Kopi are being
screened in the International Competition category at the festival.
· Kapo
in Jerusalem is a narrative about pair of Auschwitz survivors -
Bruno and Sarah - who arrive in Jerusalem and try to rehabilitate their lives
and love in a city under siege during the War of Independence.
· Uri
Barbash’s film Beyond the Walls (1984) was nominated
for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
· Filosofi
Kopi is a film based on Dewi Lestari’s short story and has been
termed as the first “user-generated film in Indonesia. It is a tale of “soul
searching and making peace with the past through coffee.” Ben and Jody are two
friends and owners of ‘Filosofi Kopi’, a sophisticated coffee shop known for
only serving the best coffee in the Country. When a businessman challenges
theme to make “the perfect cup”, Ben and Jody embark on an adventure that
forces them to visit their troubled pasts and reexamine their relationships
with their parents. It is a film that not only tells a captivating story, but
one that makes us look at coffee with a whole new, passionate perspective.
********************
Homage to Cine Veterans
IFFI 2015 pays tribute to noted film personalities who
passed away in the last year through showcasing their films in its
exclusive section ‘Homage’. The presence of those who are gone can be
profoundly felt when their most memorable films are screened for the ones who
long for just another sight. Ardent fans and family embrace the beloved
masters' artistry yet again. There are homage sections for both Indian
Cine veterans and also Veterans from International Cinema,
The Cine
personalities who have been included in the ‘Homage’ are-
Indian Cinema:
Aadesh Shrivastava, noted composer and singer who
composed music for over a hundred Hindi films. (Film-Chalte Chalte),
Bidyut Chakravarty a veteran theatre, film, radio
and television director and actor.( Film-Dwaar-The Voyage Out),
Daggubati Ramanaidu, a veteran Telugu film producer who
has also produced movies in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and
Bengali. (Film-Preminchu)
Deven Varma, an Indian film and television actor,
particularly known for his comic roles, with directors like Basu Chatterji.
(Katta Meetha)
Nageswara Rao, renowned producer of Telugu cinema,
(Fim-Shankarabharnam)
Indra Bania, a theatre, radio, film and television legend
in Assam.(Halodhiya Choraye)
K. Balachander, a veteran director of Tamil, Telugu,
Kannada and Hindi cinema. (Film-Maro Charithra)
Manayangath
Subramanian Viswanathan, music director and Composer also known as M.S.V.
(Film-Maro Charithra)
Manorama Apoorva,
a veteran Tamil actress who acted in more than 1500 films. (Film-Sagodharargal)
Nirad N.
Mohapatrafilms), a veteran director, his debut feature film, Maya Miriga
(1984), (Film-Maya Miriga)
Ravindra Jain,
music Composer and music director who gave may popular song (Film-Henna),
International
cinema:
Manoel De Oliveira (Portugal), the most prolific film directors
and probably the only film maker whose active career spanned from silent era to
the digital age. (Film- Christopher Columbus The Enigma)
Ankita Ekberg
(Itly-France), one of the most popular actresses of 1950s remembered for roles
of glamorous girls she played. (Film-La Dolce Vita).
Omar Sharif (UK), Oscar nominated and multiple Golden globe winning
actor. (Film-Lawrence of Arabia)
Wes Craven (United
States), the trailblazing master of horror films who redefined horror through
cinema. (Film-Scream)
*************
I feel Happy to be associated with
India, Says British Film Editor Humphrey Dixon
British Film Editor Humphrey
Dixon has said he is happy to be connected with India on cultural lines in the
capacity of a Film Editor.
Interacting with media persons at Meet the Director programme on the sidelines
of 46th International Film Festival of India Dixon said,
‘Editing of films is a very difficult process’ and needs a great deal of
experience and an acumen to analyze the contents to be deleted. Mr. Dixon said,
‘I love editing’.
Humphrey Dixon’s career began
as a film trainee at Associated-Redifusion, London’s first commercial TV
channel.
Having decided to pursue editing full time, he moved briskly from assistant to
freelance film editor working mostly on documentaries including London Weekend
Television’s weekly arts programme ‘The South Bank show’ and
the feature length ‘Song Remains the Same’ based around the Madison
Square Gardens concert of super-group Led Zeppelin.
Branching into feature films he first edited James Ivory’s Autobiography
of a Princess with James Mason and Madhur Jaffrey for Merchant Ivory
Productions, based around historic film footage of the Indian Raj was voted one
of the ten best UK films of the year. He went on to edit a further eight
features for the company including two Indian based films, Hullabaloo
over Georgie and Bonnie’s Pictures and Heat and Dust, as
well as their multiple award-winning production A Room With a View for which he
was nominated for a BAFTA.
He has worked with many notable film directors, editing Andrei Konchalovsky’s
first American film Maria’s Lovers, Caleb Deschanel’s Crusoe, Bruce
Beresford’s Mr. Johnson and Evelyn, noted Scottish
director Gillies Mackinnon’s The Playboys and A Simple
Twist of Fate, Lewis Gilbert’s Stepping Out, John Duigan’s Sirens and Lawn
Dogs, Pat O’Cannor’s Dancing at Lughnasa and Jean Jacques
Annaud’s Enemy at the Gates.
Most recently he has been engaged as a visiting tutor at the National Film and
Television School at Beaconsfield Studios and is due to start editing a
film about Nelson Mandela.
*************
46th IFFI Salutes Woman Film Makers
The on-going edition of IFFI has an exclusivesection ‘Womenclature of
Cinema’, showcasingthe films by Indian women filmmakers, not necessarily
womencentric cinema. Often a sensitive handling of the woman's psyche is
noticeable in the films. What emerges is a cinema of deep humanism, of a vital
concern for slowly dissolving values, of shifting relationships in a changing
world. The films show rage and tenderness, some add humour, some anxiety. The
subject of the section proved too large, even if from India, to be included in
this year's IFFI. However, efforts have been made to present films across
various genres in different languages since 1980s.
The women film makers whose work have been included in the section are-
Anjali Menon(Manjadikuru) , AparnaSen (36 Chowringhee Lane),
BatulMukhtiar (Kaphal), BhavnaTalwar (Dharm), Bobby SarmaBaruah
(Adomya),ChitraPalekar(MaatiMaay), janakiViswanathan (Kutty),PremaKaranth
(Phaniyamma), Revathy (Mitr, My Friend) , SaiParanjpye (Sparsh),SatarupaSanyal
(Anu), SooniTaraporevala (little Zizou) and ZoyaAkhtar (Zindagi Na
MilegiDobara)
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