Showing posts with label International Film Festival of India 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Film Festival of India 2014. Show all posts
After Libaas producer, now maker of Akashitorar Kothare alleges that IFFI showed her film without her consent
7:02 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 1, 2014)
Controversies continued to
plague the International Film Festival of India even on the last day. Sangeeta Tamuli, the producer
of the National Award winning film Akashitorar Kothare,
alleged that her film was screened without her permission. “It is a
shame that the Directorate of Film Festivals ignored me because wherever
the film has been screened till now, I was invited. It is sad that in
my own country, where the film won National Award for Best Assamese film
in 2004, I was not informed,“ she stated.
Sangeeta added that as per the regulations of the National Film Awards, she did not give a print of her film to IFFI. “I gave only copy to the National Film Archive for preservation and archival use. I am sending a legal notice to the Directorate of Film Festivals
-------------------------
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; December 1, 2014)
The Directorate of International Film Festivals (DIFF) is facing fresh allegations for screening films without the makers’ consent.
On November 29, Libaas producer Vikas Mohan slapped a legal notice on the body for showcasing the yet-to-be-released film during the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa without prior intimation. Barely 48 hours later, Assamese producer Sangeeta Tamuli has raised similar objections.
Tamuli says, “Akashitarar Kathare was screened on Saturday and it’s a shame that DIFF ignored me. Forget an invitation, they didn’t have the basic courtesy to inform me about it. Until now, I had been invited to every festival where my film has been shown.”
Her film had bagged the National Award for Best Assamese film in 2004. Denying having given the film’s print to the festival authorities, she adds: “I had given it to the National Film Archive of India for preservation and archiving, not to screen it. I want them to apologise to me or else I will be forced to take legal action against IFFI and DIFF. I want to know how they secured a copy of my film.”
Manoj Srivastav, former CEO of Entertainment Society of Goa, says, “The regulations for screenings in the Indian Panorama segment was changed in 2008, making it mandatory to intimate the producers in question. That wasn’t done in case of Libaas. And as far as National Award-winning films like Akashitarar Kathare are concerned, both consent and intimation are a must, which, again, were not followed.”
DIFF chief Shankar Mohan was not available for comment.
Controversies continued to
plague the International Film Festival of India even on the last day. Sangeeta Tamuli, the producer
of the National Award winning film Akashitorar Kothare,
alleged that her film was screened without her permission. “It is a
shame that the Directorate of Film Festivals ignored me because wherever
the film has been screened till now, I was invited. It is sad that in
my own country, where the film won National Award for Best Assamese film
in 2004, I was not informed,“ she stated.Sangeeta added that as per the regulations of the National Film Awards, she did not give a print of her film to IFFI. “I gave only copy to the National Film Archive for preservation and archival use. I am sending a legal notice to the Directorate of Film Festivals
-------------------------
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; December 1, 2014)
The Directorate of International Film Festivals (DIFF) is facing fresh allegations for screening films without the makers’ consent.
On November 29, Libaas producer Vikas Mohan slapped a legal notice on the body for showcasing the yet-to-be-released film during the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa without prior intimation. Barely 48 hours later, Assamese producer Sangeeta Tamuli has raised similar objections.
Tamuli says, “Akashitarar Kathare was screened on Saturday and it’s a shame that DIFF ignored me. Forget an invitation, they didn’t have the basic courtesy to inform me about it. Until now, I had been invited to every festival where my film has been shown.”
Her film had bagged the National Award for Best Assamese film in 2004. Denying having given the film’s print to the festival authorities, she adds: “I had given it to the National Film Archive of India for preservation and archiving, not to screen it. I want them to apologise to me or else I will be forced to take legal action against IFFI and DIFF. I want to know how they secured a copy of my film.”
Manoj Srivastav, former CEO of Entertainment Society of Goa, says, “The regulations for screenings in the Indian Panorama segment was changed in 2008, making it mandatory to intimate the producers in question. That wasn’t done in case of Libaas. And as far as National Award-winning films like Akashitarar Kathare are concerned, both consent and intimation are a must, which, again, were not followed.”
DIFF chief Shankar Mohan was not available for comment.
IFFI: Russian film Leviathan wins top honour; Ek Hazarachi Note bags centenary trophy
6:58 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 1, 2014)
Russian director Andrey
Zvyaginstev's survival drama Leviathan won the coveted Golden Peacock
while Marathi movie Ek Hazarachi Note bagged the centenary trophy for
best film at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which
concluded in Goa on Sunday.
Leviathan star Alexel Serebriakov shared the best actor award with Dulal
Sarkar for his double role in the Bengali film Chotoder Chobi. The
Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh
Rathore, and actor Jackie Shroff presented the honour.
The best actress award was shared by two international stars, both played teachers in their respective films. Cuban actress Arina Rodriguez bagged the award for her performance in the Cuban-Spanish movie Behaviour while Israeli actress Sarit Larry won the trophy for The Kindergarten Teacher. The award was presented by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and veteran actor Nana Patekar. Nadaf Lapid was adjudged best director for The Kindgarten Teacher.
Ek Hazarachi Note, set
against the backdrop of farmers' suicide in the Vidharba region of
Maharashtra, created history at IFFI by winning the centenary and
special jury award for debutant director Shrihari Sathe.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, known for his films like In the Mood for Love, Ashes of Time and Chungking Express. The internationally renowned auteur dedicated the recognition to his wife Chan Ye-cheng. “I am humbled and honoured that my movie The Grandmaster is the closing film at the festival. It's a great honour and a surprise. I hope it is not a sign for me to retire,“ he joked.
The best actress award was shared by two international stars, both played teachers in their respective films. Cuban actress Arina Rodriguez bagged the award for her performance in the Cuban-Spanish movie Behaviour while Israeli actress Sarit Larry won the trophy for The Kindergarten Teacher. The award was presented by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and veteran actor Nana Patekar. Nadaf Lapid was adjudged best director for The Kindgarten Teacher.
Ek Hazarachi Note, set
against the backdrop of farmers' suicide in the Vidharba region of
Maharashtra, created history at IFFI by winning the centenary and
special jury award for debutant director Shrihari Sathe.The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, known for his films like In the Mood for Love, Ashes of Time and Chungking Express. The internationally renowned auteur dedicated the recognition to his wife Chan Ye-cheng. “I am humbled and honoured that my movie The Grandmaster is the closing film at the festival. It's a great honour and a surprise. I hope it is not a sign for me to retire,“ he joked.
Doordarshan anchor distressed by net attack on IFFI gaffe
9:10 AM
Bella Jaisinghani (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 30, 2014)
Cyberspace can be a cruel world. A Doordarshan anchor has come in for abusive criticism by netizens after failures in a live broadcast.
The 24-year-old casual announcer made a few mistakes while hosting the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) live from Goa on November 20. She referred to state governor Mridula Sinha as the governor of India and failed to identify a Chinese actress. The video went viral drawing a series of uncharitable comments. She was recalled from covering the closing ceremony and has lost future contracts as well.
The nervous woman had remembered how a previous DD announcer was sacked for mispronouncing the name of Chinese premier Xi Jinping so she chose to remain silent on TV rather than repeat a similar mistake. “My career has been ruined. I am so distressed I have not eaten in four days. My family approached the cyber crime department so the video was taken off but new people keep uploading it,“ she told TOI. “Of the smooth two-hour broadcast, only my mistakes have been posted. I have been successfully hosting corporate and entertainment shows since college.“ She had recently changed her name with plans to become an actress.
Recalling the incident, she said, “My instruction mic failed five minutes before we went live. I should have refused to carry on but that would have been irresponsible so I held on. I was so nervous. I could not turn my head to see who was coming, and my producer could not convey the names of dignitaries. So I introduced as few people as possible, hoping the audience would recognize them anyway.“
Doordarshan's additional director general Mukesh Sharma acknowledged that the link to the outdoor broadcasting van had failed. “We could not communicate with her and security harangued her on the red carpet as CMs and celebrities were to arrive. Trolls have blown the incident out of proportion by editing three minutes of error, causing this young child immense trauma. She almost became suicidal,“ he said.
“This anchor was selected after hosting a live show, Robocon, in August in the presence of I&B minister Prakash Javadekar. We trained her for two hours in Mumbai and 45 minutes in Goa,“ the show's producer said. She said briefing involved instructions on where to stand and camera placement.
Me & Anupama got a chance to head MAMI because we can do the job & not due to gender-Kiran Rao
7:54 AM
Kiran Rao, the new chairperson of the Mumbai film festival, shares her plans and expectations
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 29, 2014)
In yesterday's Mirror, Shyam Benegal, former chairperson of MAMI, lamented about the lack of funds and is putting his faith on you to make it a cash rich fest.
I'm grateful to Shyam babu for investing so much trust in me. We've started our quest to get the right partners on board and we intend to scale up the scope of the festival.
Will you partner with Reliance, which pulled out at the nth hour this year, putting the festival in jeopardy?
Reliance has put their support behind the festival for five years. It's time to look for other options. But if they show interest, we are open to talks.
Some of the winners of the festival's competition section are yet to receive their cash prizes...
We'll make sure they get their prize. Earlier too, it was given in stages depending on when the pledged money came through. Raising funds was a real struggle this year.
This year, the audience was limited to members of the film fraternity and journalists, how do you intend to involve the aam janta?
MAMI was never restricted to an elite few. It's open to anyone interested in good cinema. This year, because of the uncertainty over the venue, issuing of passes to public started late. And that is why there were fewer footfalls. We'll rectify that.
How will you pacify SoBo regulars who are upset because the venue moved to the suburbs this year?
We have to increase screening venues and ensure that people across the city can enjoy the fest. This year, because of financial constraints, we had to stick to just three venues, all of which were in Andheri-Juhu. Eventually, we'd like one easily accessible hub, which will make the fest a 360-degree-experience. I want MAMI to move beyond cinema and theatre.
Are you looking to rope in big international names next year?
In the last 17 years, MAMI has roped in good international talents as filmmakers and jury members. That will continue. We want to make MAMI the most important festival for Indian filmmakers. We want to premiere and screen regional films from across the country.
Any lessons learnt from IFFI?
I only attended IFFI while studying in Delhi. It has an excellent film bazaar. There are 40-odd festivals in India and the bedrock of any fest is not the stars or the studios, but the quality of programming.
With you as chairperson and Anupama Chopra as festival director, its women power on show.
I don't believe we got this opportunity for our gender but because we can do the job. Women bring in their perspective to everything they do. We are looking for programmers and volunteers who have the right skill set, gender is hardly a factor.
Do you have a mentor's role planned for Mr Benegal?
He's a founding member, how can we do without him as an advisor and inspiration? It's because of him that I got involved last year. I'd warned him that with such a young child at home, I wouldn't be able to spare much time. But with the festival in choppy waters, I had to take on a bigger responsibility. I got my education in cinema from watching films at such festivals. We complain that we're not getting to see the kind of cinema we want to. It was time to put words into action. All of us are in this for our passion for cinema.
Ship of Theseus, which you presented, won awards and accolades globally. Will you collaborate with Anand Gandhi on his next?
I know what the film is about but I haven't read the script and we haven't spoken about any collaboration yet. I've seen a lot of good films this year but none have affected me enough to extend my support. Although Fandry (Marathi) was an exception. But by the time I saw it, it had released.
Buzz is, your next directorial will be set in Kolkata.
I have to first finish one of the many half-complete scripts lying around.
Is Azad interested in films?
No, the cinema bug hasn't bitten him yet. As of now he has to be content with a few cartoons. He spends most of his time outside with his friends.
Is the renovation on your old house complete?
There was talk about redevelopment; I'm clueless about what's happening. We are happy in our rented apartment.
Producer slaps notice on IFFI authorities for screening Libaas without his consent
7:40 AM
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; November 28, 2014)
Producer Vikas Mohan has sent a legal notice to the director of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the I& B ministry for screening his film, Libaas, without his permission. The film, written and directed by Gulzar, was showcased at the ongoing fest in Goa on November 22 and is said to have been received well by the audience.
Mohan says, “Our lawyers have sent a legal notice to the IFFI management. We feel cheated. In spite of such strict copyright rules today, we have been completely baffled by this episode, especially since the IFFI did something like this.’’ The notice reads that even though the letter of authority was given to IFFI, it did not grant permission to screen the film after over 22 years of its first exhibition in 1991 without prior intimation to Mohan. It also states that subscription charges are demanded these days from attendees at film festivals, thus making the screening commercial which was not the purpose for which the letter of authority was granted.
Mohan adds that he had given a print of the film to festival authorities in 1991. He has now asked them to return the copy of his film apart from issuing a public apology.
Shabana Azmi, who stars in Libaas, rues, “Unfortunately, I wasn’t even informed about it.”
The producer says that he intends to release the film soon. “Its release got stuck 26 years ago though we were not at fault. At that time, two or three of Gulzar saab’s films failed at the box office and distributors didn’t want to release this one either. They had also demanded their money back but I had nothing to give then. I could pay them only after Arzoo released in 1999. But now the time for Libaas has come,” he adds.
MAMI is not my inheritance-Shyam Benegal
7:38 AM
Shyam Benegal, who has made way for Kiran Rao as the new Chairperson of MAMI, talks about the change in leadership and the future of Indian cinema
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2014)
He has spent the past six days watching film after film at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa but Shyam Benegal says that he will never tire of the experience. Mirror caught up with the 80-year-old at his Tardeo office on Tuesday.
Excerpts from the interview:
How was IFFI this year?
By and large, nice. Like always, it had six to eight good films. It could have been much better.
What was the problem?
IFFI is a well-funded festival. But a festival is as good as its organisers. Now, IFFI is run by the government. They have a lot of unutilised resources.
Please elaborate...
A government-run festival has people from varied backgrounds in executive positions. And just when they start understanding cinema, their term runs out. Therefore at MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving images) we give officials an extended term.
Were you happy with this year's Mumbai Film Festival?
Paisa bahut kam tha. We had difficulty in finding sponsors after Reliance opted out. Perhaps, the brand did not get the mileage they expected. We had only one centre screening the films, in Andheri. It was well attended by members of the film fraternity. But where was the general public?
Why did you step down from the position of MAMI Chairperson?
Anupama Chopra (the new festival director) and Kiran Rao (the new Chairperson) showed immense enthusiasm in raising funds. They have more energy and better ideas. It was time that I got younger people on board. Stepping down was on my mind for six years. MAMI is not my inheritance; it belongs to all who love cinema.
Have you distanced yourself from MAMI?
No, I shall always remain involved with MAMI, but now I won't be attending to the day-to-day decisions. My support for MAMI is irrevocable.
Did you recommend Kiran Rao and Anupama Chopra?
'Recommend' would be a wrong word. But yes, I did mention their names to the trustees. And they deserve it.
It's been five years since you made a film (2009's Well Done Abba was his last). What's gone wrong?
Nothing has gone wrong. I will soon make a film. I decided to put my time and energy in to a TV show, Samvidhaan. It needed a lot of research and time. A show on the Indian Constitution was required.
Are you satisfied with the response it got?
Yes.
What's your take on the films of today?
I think we are making some good cinema. Some of the recent content is amazing.
And do you see any equivalents of your frequent collaborators like (late) Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi?
Zaroor honge, bas unka bahar aana baki hai. I think Rajkummar Rao is an ocean of talent. I haven't seen Alia Bhatt's work but she seems impressive. I am also keen to catch up on Varun Dhawan's work. I think Anushka has a sunshine-like smile. And I am impressed by the work of Rajkumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee.
Panchamda yaad aa gaye, says Gulzar as Libaas finally premiered at IFFI after 26 years
7:52 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 24, 2014)
Gulzar's Libaas a film
made in 1988 but never released finally premiered on Saturday at the
International Film Festival of India in Panjim, Goa. The
veteran poet-lyricist-filmmaker presented the film with Vishal Bhardwaj
and daughter Meghna by his side.
“I feel like a school kid appearing for an exam,“ the 80-year-old
Dadasaheb Phalke award winner confessed before the screening.
“The dubbing quality could be bad. Maybe we might not get to hear some
of the dialogue,“ he warned. Gulzar's words were
proven wrong as the film was screened without any technical hiccups. “What a relief!“ quipped the
filmmaker as the end credits rolled.
Set in Mumbai, Libaas stars Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi as a married couple working in theatre together. The marriage begins to crumble as the conflict on stage begins to seep into the reality of the duo's life. Things get worse when Naseer's wealthy, charming best friend, played by Raj Babbar, enters the scene and is attracted to the character played by Shabana, with whom he starts a relationship.
Although the film was in the cans for so long, its music found a way to the hearts of people and the film is today remembered for songs like Phir kisi shakh ne, Khamosh sa afsana and Silli Hawa Chhoo Gai, composed by RD Burman. “Pancham da yaad aa gaye,“ an emotional Gulzar said after receiving a fiveminute standing ovation.
He admitted that his biggest fear was that the film might look dated. “But whoever has written it did a bloody good job!“ smiled the writer-director of the film, pointing out that even after almost three decades, the themes it explores the disintegration of marriage, infidelity, the thin line that separates reality from fiction--remain relevant. “Human relations are so incredibly complex, there are several layers which you can keep uncovering. It will never go out of fashion. What excites me is the study of human nature it is something I draw from real life. It never fails me.“
Right from the producer not being able to secure a release, to the Censor Board deeming it too 'bold' for public consumption, there are several theories about why the film was in cold storage for so long. The film's producer Vikas Mohan says, “Gulzar's last few films had flopped. So we couldn't take the risk of releasing it then.“ But ask Gulzar about it and he ducks the question with his trademark wit. “Libaas was in the dry-cleaning. It took a while. I'm glad it's out now,“ he laughs.
Set in Mumbai, Libaas stars Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi as a married couple working in theatre together. The marriage begins to crumble as the conflict on stage begins to seep into the reality of the duo's life. Things get worse when Naseer's wealthy, charming best friend, played by Raj Babbar, enters the scene and is attracted to the character played by Shabana, with whom he starts a relationship.
Although the film was in the cans for so long, its music found a way to the hearts of people and the film is today remembered for songs like Phir kisi shakh ne, Khamosh sa afsana and Silli Hawa Chhoo Gai, composed by RD Burman. “Pancham da yaad aa gaye,“ an emotional Gulzar said after receiving a fiveminute standing ovation.
He admitted that his biggest fear was that the film might look dated. “But whoever has written it did a bloody good job!“ smiled the writer-director of the film, pointing out that even after almost three decades, the themes it explores the disintegration of marriage, infidelity, the thin line that separates reality from fiction--remain relevant. “Human relations are so incredibly complex, there are several layers which you can keep uncovering. It will never go out of fashion. What excites me is the study of human nature it is something I draw from real life. It never fails me.“
Right from the producer not being able to secure a release, to the Censor Board deeming it too 'bold' for public consumption, there are several theories about why the film was in cold storage for so long. The film's producer Vikas Mohan says, “Gulzar's last few films had flopped. So we couldn't take the risk of releasing it then.“ But ask Gulzar about it and he ducks the question with his trademark wit. “Libaas was in the dry-cleaning. It took a while. I'm glad it's out now,“ he laughs.
Industry federations to shun IFFI in 2015 citing ‘no invitation’ this year
7:41 AM
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; November 24, 2014)
Organisers of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) have invited the wrath of two film federations, something that could prove costly to them.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and All India Film Employees Confederation (AIFEC) have taken offense to not being invited for the fest and decided to register its protest by boycotting the event next year. Kamlesh Pandey, president of FWICE, says: “The two federations have decided to boycott the IFFI in 2015. That, in effect, means members belonging to the 22 craft unions affiliated to us will not attend the festival.”
He adds that the decision has been communicated to all the affiliate unions. Pandey says traditionally, the FWICE and the AIFEC office bearers are invited and hosted by the IFFI every year. “This time, they did not even invite the AIFEC president, let alone the FWICE president representing 22 crafts of the film industry. They also did not even respond to our mail asking them to enlighten us with the reason. If they do not consider us important enough to deserve their respect and invitation, why shouldn’t the FWICE and the AIFEC abstain from IFFI events? The IFFI has shown disrespect not only to the apex bodies of the workers and technicians of the industry but also to a time-honoured tradition,” he rues.
There have been couple of instances in the past when Bollywood almost boycotted IFFI. The first time around was in 2007 when Film Federation of India (FFI) protested against Goa being the venue and the Bollywood segment not being included in the event schedule. Filmmakers Shakti Samanta and D Rama Naidu had allegedly been asked to prove their credentials.
In 2011, there was an uproar when the Directorate of Film Festival left out FFI from their guest list. FFI is one of the apex bodies of the industry which decides on India’s Oscar entries.
Amitabh Bachchan-Rajinikanth bromance takes centre stage at IFFI opening ceremony
7:57 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 21, 2014)
The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panjim, Goa, was buzzing with electric energy as two Indian megastars - Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan - shared the stage at the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India on Thursday.
While Big B was the chief guest, Rajinikanth was awarded the Centenary Award for Film Personality of the Year. He graciously bowed down to touch Bachchan's feet, saying, "He's my big brother." When asked to make a speech, the Southern legend, who was accompanied by wife Latha, joked, "I thought I only had to collect the award." He then dedicated the award to his "directors, producers and fans".
Big B, who was without the missus, made up for Rajini's reticence with a lengthy speech. He reminisced about shooting his debut film Saat Hindustani in Goa, before giving a 'masterclass on the history of Indian cinema,' as hosts Anupam Kher and Raveena Tandon described it.
Also present at the ceremony was former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who said, "I had given in writing that we will make the impossible happen and we have. Not only do we have two living legends--Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan - amongst us, but Goa has become a permanent venue for IFFI, something which wasn't the case earlier."
He added, "I love Goa so much that I don't feel like going to Delhi," a reference to his new post at the Centre as the Defence Minister.
China is the focus country at this year's edition and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon star Zhang Zhiyi did a good job of representing the nation in a scarlet gown.
The indulgent applause died down when Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley, who asserted that the Indian film industry has come of age, introduced Hong Kong-based filmmaker Wong Karwai, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, as a "noted Chinese filmmaker." Unaware of the goof-up, he then proceeded to introduce the jury members.
Other noted names who were present at the ceremony were, Vishal Bhardwaj, who was spotted with Gulzar. Actor Satish Kaushik, Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore, Goa's chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and the state's governor Mridula Sinha, were among the attendees.
The opening film of the 11-day festival was Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf's The President. It will conclude with Wong Kar-Wai's The Grandmaster.
The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panjim, Goa, was buzzing with electric energy as two Indian megastars - Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan - shared the stage at the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India on Thursday.
While Big B was the chief guest, Rajinikanth was awarded the Centenary Award for Film Personality of the Year. He graciously bowed down to touch Bachchan's feet, saying, "He's my big brother." When asked to make a speech, the Southern legend, who was accompanied by wife Latha, joked, "I thought I only had to collect the award." He then dedicated the award to his "directors, producers and fans".
Big B, who was without the missus, made up for Rajini's reticence with a lengthy speech. He reminisced about shooting his debut film Saat Hindustani in Goa, before giving a 'masterclass on the history of Indian cinema,' as hosts Anupam Kher and Raveena Tandon described it.
Also present at the ceremony was former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who said, "I had given in writing that we will make the impossible happen and we have. Not only do we have two living legends--Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan - amongst us, but Goa has become a permanent venue for IFFI, something which wasn't the case earlier."
He added, "I love Goa so much that I don't feel like going to Delhi," a reference to his new post at the Centre as the Defence Minister.
China is the focus country at this year's edition and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon star Zhang Zhiyi did a good job of representing the nation in a scarlet gown.
The indulgent applause died down when Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley, who asserted that the Indian film industry has come of age, introduced Hong Kong-based filmmaker Wong Karwai, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, as a "noted Chinese filmmaker." Unaware of the goof-up, he then proceeded to introduce the jury members.
Other noted names who were present at the ceremony were, Vishal Bhardwaj, who was spotted with Gulzar. Actor Satish Kaushik, Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore, Goa's chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and the state's governor Mridula Sinha, were among the attendees.
The opening film of the 11-day festival was Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf's The President. It will conclude with Wong Kar-Wai's The Grandmaster.
Top:
From L to R: Mridula Sinha, Arun Jaitley, Amitabh Bachchan, Zhang
Zhiyi, Manohar Parikar, Laxmikant Parsekar; (Above) Shobhana performs at
the opening ceremony; (R) Rajinikanth with Amitabh
Hindu Janjagruti Samiti threatens to stall screening of Elizabeth Ekadashi at IFFI Goa?
7:42 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 20, 2014)
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is ready to kickstart today in Goa and a Marathi film titled Elizabeth Ekadashi is supposed to mark the opening of the Indian Panorama section the following day. However, the plans may go haywire as a Hindu orthodox group has apparently sent a notice to the festival organisers regarding screening of this particular film.
A source says, “The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has threatened to stall the film screening as they feel the title is misleading. They have submitted a memorandum to the festival organisers stating that Ekadashi is related to lord Vishnu and the title has hurt the sentiments of Hindus. So, they are demanding that the screening be cancelled.”
Tanu Rai, deputy director of the Indian Panorama segment, feigned ignorance about the matter. But, another official confirms having received the memorandum and adds: “The inaugural show is slated for 12.10pm on Friday so if the screening is cancelled or postponed, there will be a big problem as many celebrities and other dignitaries are expected to turn up. Elizabeth Ekadashi has received a good response since its release last week. But the IFFI authorities have to take a decision soon.”
Paresh Mokashi, who has helmed the Marathi film, says he isn’t aware of any such opposition from the saffron outfit. “I have no information about it and so, cannot comment. This is news to me,” he adds.
Gour Hari Dastaan one of the 2 Hindi films selected for IFFI Goa & only Hindi film at IFFK
7:44 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (October 31, 2014)
Their last collaboration Mee
Sindhutai Sapkal won four National Awards. Now, producers Bindiya and
Sachin Khanolkar's latest venture with director Ananth Narayan
Mahadevan, Gour Hari Dastaan - The Freedom File too has made an impact.
It has become one of the two Hindi films to be selected, out of 183
entries, for International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. Not just
that, it is also the only Hindi film that has been selected for
International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) to be held in
Trivandrum in December this year.
Featuring Vinay Pathak, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey , Rajit Kapur, Vikram Gokhale and Tannishtha Chatterjee, the biopic tells the story of freedom fighter Gour Hari Das, who had to fight a long battle to get his due after Indian independence. His 30-year long struggle to obtain a freedom fighter's certificate brings to light how the country has abused the freedom it achieved.
Behind the film is an impressive technical team - Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, nine-time National Award winning editor Sreekar Prasad, wildlife cameraman Alphonse Roy and violin maestro Dr L Subramaniam. About working on the film, Pookutty says, “This was the most emotionally draining movie I have ever worked on. The film is an account of what we've done to our country.“
Das, who was overwhelmed after watching his journey unfold on the big screen, says, “The film will strike a chord with every Indian.“
Featuring Vinay Pathak, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey , Rajit Kapur, Vikram Gokhale and Tannishtha Chatterjee, the biopic tells the story of freedom fighter Gour Hari Das, who had to fight a long battle to get his due after Indian independence. His 30-year long struggle to obtain a freedom fighter's certificate brings to light how the country has abused the freedom it achieved.
Behind the film is an impressive technical team - Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, nine-time National Award winning editor Sreekar Prasad, wildlife cameraman Alphonse Roy and violin maestro Dr L Subramaniam. About working on the film, Pookutty says, “This was the most emotionally draining movie I have ever worked on. The film is an account of what we've done to our country.“
Das, who was overwhelmed after watching his journey unfold on the big screen, says, “The film will strike a chord with every Indian.“
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