From new-age cinema to classic nostalgia, there’s a heady mix on offer
It’s been a long and glorious 13 years that have passed. The Mumbai Film Festival, under the patronage of Reliance Entertainment, has turned to one of the most important cultural events to look forward to.
The 13th Mumbai Film Festival has something to offer to every cineaste and film buff. The best of world cinema is being offered at this year’s festival along with cult films and award-winning films of the past.
Our aim has constantly been to build the Mumbai Film Festival as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. I am glad to say that we have a road map and are on the right road, and to also realise there are still miles to go. Each year is a new milestone and, this year too, we have carved a new one.
A celebration of the art of cinema, the 13th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival has a stellar line-up. In addition, the Mumbai Film Festival will be celebrating 50 years of Cannes Critics Week by screening a selection of award-winning films from this section, spanning the last 50 years. The best of New French cinema will be screened as part of the ‘4thRendez-vous With French Cinema’ section, with attendance by some noted French directors including José Alcala, Nassim Amaouche, Martin Provost and Muriel Coulin and Delphine Coulin, among others.
To add to this bonanza, the opening and closing films of the Venice Film Festival and the Lion Winner (Best Film) – The Ides Of March, Damsels in Distress and Faust – will also be screened. The Whistleblower, which is making a mark all over the world, will also be screened for our delegates.
The new and nostalgia mingle happily in the Indian Film Selections. Classics ranging from Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali, Shyam Benegal’s Ankur, Adoor’s Swayamwaram, Shaji N Karun’s Piravi, Kundan Shah’s Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Aparna Sen’s 36 Chowringhee Lane will return to the silver screen after a long time.
New-age gems such as Salim Ahmed’s Abu, Son of Adam, Umesh Kulkarni’s Deool, Santosh Sivan’s Urumi, Makarand Deshpande’s Miss Sundari, Susenthrian’s Azhagarsami’s Horse, among many others will also be showcased.
With continuous focus on its academic activities, the Mumbai Film Festival’s ongoing Indo-German Script Development Workshop and Mumbai Young Critics initiative have seen a great response and participation.
With the business of film always on the mind, Mumbai Film Festival’s Mumbai Film Mart has attracted major buyers and sellers from non-traditional markets in addition to top-notch Indian production houses.
With quality cinema being the buzz word, the Mumbai Film Festival is all set to enthrall the audience.
– Festival Director, Mumbai Film Festival
