Mami Select: Filmed on iPhone is an initiative undertaken by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (Mami) to make short films shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The five filmmakers chosen for this virtuous deed were Prateek Vats, Saurav Rai, Faraz Ali, Archana Atul Phadke, and Saumyananda Sahi. These filmmakers were mentored by veteran filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Vikramaditya Motwane and Rohan Sippy. The five short films are tales of individuals who deal with the challenging lives of the marginalized, the vulnerable, the impoverished, the alienated, and the troubled. From the confines of a garment factory to the narrow alleys of a daily market in a rural town to the snow-clad locales of Kashmir to the dunes of Rajasthan to the bustling metropolis, they present vivid characters whose individual problems are no less vital and compelling. Small errors snowball into unintended and unimaginable consequences. As a result, the principal characters...
- 5/10/2024
- by Dipankar Sarkar
- Talking Films
BAFTA Circles Calendar
The British Academy has confirmed the date of the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, which will now be held on Sunday February. 16.
As per recent scheduling arrangements, the awards — arguably the biggest film awards outside the U.S. — takes place two weeks before the Oscars on March 2, 2025. Regular film festival attendees may note that the BAFTA awards will, once again, be held during the Berlinale, set to run February 13-23, with there likely to be a spike in industry professionals flying back to London on the morning of Feb. 16.
The full timeline and eligibility details for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards will be announced in due course. Voting will take place over three rounds: longlisting, nominations and winners, by the academy’s global voting film membership which comprises more than 7,800 industry creatives.
The 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, which saw “Oppenheimer” dominate with wins for best film, director and actor, were watched...
The British Academy has confirmed the date of the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, which will now be held on Sunday February. 16.
As per recent scheduling arrangements, the awards — arguably the biggest film awards outside the U.S. — takes place two weeks before the Oscars on March 2, 2025. Regular film festival attendees may note that the BAFTA awards will, once again, be held during the Berlinale, set to run February 13-23, with there likely to be a spike in industry professionals flying back to London on the morning of Feb. 16.
The full timeline and eligibility details for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards will be announced in due course. Voting will take place over three rounds: longlisting, nominations and winners, by the academy’s global voting film membership which comprises more than 7,800 industry creatives.
The 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, which saw “Oppenheimer” dominate with wins for best film, director and actor, were watched...
- 4/19/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
From March 5 to 10, the 16th edition of the CinemAsia Film Festival will bring Asian cinema to Amsterdam at Studio/K, Rialto De Pijp, and Rialto Vu. Since CinemAsia's first edition in 2004, the Competition program has been at the heart of the festival. This year, the competition features seven titles from a new generation of filmmakers from China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. On March 10, the 2024 CinemAsia Jury Award winner will be announced during the closing ceremony, and the festival will conclude with the film Gaga by Golden Horse-winning director Laha Mebow, the first indigenous female director of Taiwan, who will be in attendance.
Seven competition films covering the diversity of Asia
In the Competition program, CinemAsia puts the spotlight on emerging independent filmmakers with a distinct artistic voice and cinematographic vision. The films showcase the wealth of themes and genres in Asian cinema and reflect a mosaic of cultural,...
Seven competition films covering the diversity of Asia
In the Competition program, CinemAsia puts the spotlight on emerging independent filmmakers with a distinct artistic voice and cinematographic vision. The films showcase the wealth of themes and genres in Asian cinema and reflect a mosaic of cultural,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The CinemAsia Film Festival in Amsterdam has unveiled titles from seven different Asian countries for its competition section.
The festival will play at the Studio/K, Rialto De Pijp and Rialto Vu venues March 5-10, 2024. The event will close with the out-of-competition screening of “Gaga,” a drama about indigenous communities in Taiwan, directed by Laha Mebow.
“Gaga” documents the challenges faced by a commune after the death of a respected tribal elder who, while alive, had held things together. Following his death problems that emerge include a land dispute, financial difficulties, an unwanted pregnancy and the risk of over-riding ‘Ga Ga’ or old tribal norms. It debuted at the 2022 Golden Horse festival and won the best director and best supporting actress awards. In 2023, it won a trio of awards including best narrative feature at the Taipei Film Festival.
This year’s seven competition titles include: “A Song Sung Blue,” by China’s Geng Zihan,...
The festival will play at the Studio/K, Rialto De Pijp and Rialto Vu venues March 5-10, 2024. The event will close with the out-of-competition screening of “Gaga,” a drama about indigenous communities in Taiwan, directed by Laha Mebow.
“Gaga” documents the challenges faced by a commune after the death of a respected tribal elder who, while alive, had held things together. Following his death problems that emerge include a land dispute, financial difficulties, an unwanted pregnancy and the risk of over-riding ‘Ga Ga’ or old tribal norms. It debuted at the 2022 Golden Horse festival and won the best director and best supporting actress awards. In 2023, it won a trio of awards including best narrative feature at the Taipei Film Festival.
This year’s seven competition titles include: “A Song Sung Blue,” by China’s Geng Zihan,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Bhutan-set political satire ’The Monk And The Gun’ takes festival’s audience award
Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary Against The Tide has won the top prize, the Golden Gateway Award, at the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival.
The documentary, which world premiered at Sundance, follows two fishers and friends from Mumbai’s Koli community pursuing their livelihoods by different means.
Lockdown drama Bahadur - The Brave by Diwa Shah, which played in San Sebastian’s New Directors strand this year, won the Silver Gateway Award.
Kanu Behl’s drama Agra, which world premiered in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight this year, won the special jury award.
Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary Against The Tide has won the top prize, the Golden Gateway Award, at the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival.
The documentary, which world premiered at Sundance, follows two fishers and friends from Mumbai’s Koli community pursuing their livelihoods by different means.
Lockdown drama Bahadur - The Brave by Diwa Shah, which played in San Sebastian’s New Directors strand this year, won the Silver Gateway Award.
Kanu Behl’s drama Agra, which world premiered in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight this year, won the special jury award.
- 11/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary “Against the Tide” has won the Golden Gateway Award at the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival. The film previously won awards at Sundance, Sydney and Seattle and best documentary at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards on the same evening as Mumbai.
Diwa Shah’s San Sebastian winner “Bahadur: The Brave” received Mumbai’s Silver Gateway Award. The festival’s Gender Sensitivity Award, for a film that challenges gender stereotypes and norms, which is decided by India’s Film Critics Guild, was won by Leesa Gazi’s “Barir Naam Shahana” (“A House Named Shahana”). The Special Jury Award went to Kanu Behl’s “Agra,” which premiered at Cannes earlier this year.
The Rashid Irani Young Critics’ Choice Award, a program created by the festival to nurture young writers on cinema, was won by Shahrukhkhan Chavada’s “Kayo Kayo Colour?” Dominic Sangma’s Locarno title “Rimdogittanga” (“Rapture”) won the Netpac Award.
Diwa Shah’s San Sebastian winner “Bahadur: The Brave” received Mumbai’s Silver Gateway Award. The festival’s Gender Sensitivity Award, for a film that challenges gender stereotypes and norms, which is decided by India’s Film Critics Guild, was won by Leesa Gazi’s “Barir Naam Shahana” (“A House Named Shahana”). The Special Jury Award went to Kanu Behl’s “Agra,” which premiered at Cannes earlier this year.
The Rashid Irani Young Critics’ Choice Award, a program created by the festival to nurture young writers on cinema, was won by Shahrukhkhan Chavada’s “Kayo Kayo Colour?” Dominic Sangma’s Locarno title “Rimdogittanga” (“Rapture”) won the Netpac Award.
- 11/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The festival has dropped its international competition in favour of a South Asia focus.
The Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival has unveiled a South Asia-focused revamp for its first in-person event since 2019, set to run October 27 to November 5.
The festival has dropped its international and India Gold competitions and will launch its first South Asia competitive section as part of a new approach to become a hub for cinema and talent from the region and diaspora.
The 14 films in the South Asia Competition are from first and second-time filmmakers from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal as well as diaspora filmmakers from the UK and Germany,...
The Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival has unveiled a South Asia-focused revamp for its first in-person event since 2019, set to run October 27 to November 5.
The festival has dropped its international and India Gold competitions and will launch its first South Asia competitive section as part of a new approach to become a hub for cinema and talent from the region and diaspora.
The 14 films in the South Asia Competition are from first and second-time filmmakers from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal as well as diaspora filmmakers from the UK and Germany,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
After a three-year hiatus, the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival is returning with a larger lineup and an expanded focus on South Asian cinema.
The festival will feature 250 films including 40 world premieres, 45 Asia premieres and 70 South Asia Premieres. The opening and closing films have not been finalized yet.
The festival’s new vision is to become a hub for South Asian and South Asian diaspora cinema and talent and, in keeping with this, the main competition is for 14 films from the region. These include the world premieres of Leesa Gazi’s “A House Named Shahana” (Bangladesh-u.K.), Dibakar Das Roy’s “Dilli Dark” (India), Sumanth Bhat’s “Mithya” (India) and Fazil Razak’s “The Sentence” (India). The new focus will also include 46 non-competition films from South Asia.
The Icons South Asia strand features Anand Patwardhan’s Toronto title “The World is Family”; “Indi(r)a’s Emergency” by Vikramaditya Motwane...
The festival will feature 250 films including 40 world premieres, 45 Asia premieres and 70 South Asia Premieres. The opening and closing films have not been finalized yet.
The festival’s new vision is to become a hub for South Asian and South Asian diaspora cinema and talent and, in keeping with this, the main competition is for 14 films from the region. These include the world premieres of Leesa Gazi’s “A House Named Shahana” (Bangladesh-u.K.), Dibakar Das Roy’s “Dilli Dark” (India), Sumanth Bhat’s “Mithya” (India) and Fazil Razak’s “The Sentence” (India). The new focus will also include 46 non-competition films from South Asia.
The Icons South Asia strand features Anand Patwardhan’s Toronto title “The World is Family”; “Indi(r)a’s Emergency” by Vikramaditya Motwane...
- 10/9/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Fund supports filmmakers from countries where funding and infrastructure is lacking or restrictive.
Tamara Tatishvili has been appointed as head of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s global film fund, the Hubert Bals Fund.
A strategy consultant, producer and programmer, Tatishvili is a former director of the Georgian National Film Center and is currently head of studies at Medici, a training and exchange forum for decision makers of international public film funds.
She will take up the position heading the Hubert Bals Fund following the departure of its previous head, Bianca Taal. Taal took over last year following a major restructure at the IFFR.
Tamara Tatishvili has been appointed as head of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s global film fund, the Hubert Bals Fund.
A strategy consultant, producer and programmer, Tatishvili is a former director of the Georgian National Film Center and is currently head of studies at Medici, a training and exchange forum for decision makers of international public film funds.
She will take up the position heading the Hubert Bals Fund following the departure of its previous head, Bianca Taal. Taal took over last year following a major restructure at the IFFR.
- 9/4/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Saurav Rai’s sophomore film, Guras, creates a fictional realm that relies more on visual storytelling and minimalistic art and immerses the audience in a mesmerizing world of colorful characters and muted emotions. The depth of Rai’s storytelling lies in the intricate web of emotions and choices he weaves for his characters. Every character, regardless of their role in the story, is given careful attention and development. Each decision made by them serves as a mirror, compelling the audience to delve into their own introspection and contemplate the consequences of their own actions.
The story of the film is set in a hilly tea plantation area where life follows a routine pattern and is told from the perspective of a nine-year-old titular character who navigates the challenges and complexities of living in this serene yet demanding environment. On a fateful night, her cherished pet dog, Tinkle, mysteriously vanishes. The...
The story of the film is set in a hilly tea plantation area where life follows a routine pattern and is told from the perspective of a nine-year-old titular character who navigates the challenges and complexities of living in this serene yet demanding environment. On a fateful night, her cherished pet dog, Tinkle, mysteriously vanishes. The...
- 9/1/2023
- by Dipankar Sarkar
- Talking Films
The Karlovy Vary Film Festival organization has announced winners from the 2023 event, with the Bulgaria/Germany co-production “Blaga’s Lessons” (“Urotcite na Blaga”) and the Germany/Iran co-production “Empty Nets” (“Toorhaye khali”) taking home top honors.
“Blaga’s lessons” won the Grand Prix Award, which includes a $25,000 cash prize for director Stephan Komandarev, to be split with the film’s producer.
Meanwhile, “Empty Nets” won the Special Jury Prize, securing a $15,00 prize for its director, Behrooz Karamizade, also to be split with the film’s producer.
Other winners include Best Director for Babak Jalali for the American production “Fremont,” and the French entry, “The Edge of the Blade,” directed by Vincent Perez, which won the The Pravo Audience Award.
Read on for the complete winner’s list.
Also Read:
‘We Have Never Been Modern’ Review: Czech Drama Looks at Sexuality Through the Lens of 1937
Crystal Globe Competition
Jury members:
Dora Bouchoucha,...
“Blaga’s lessons” won the Grand Prix Award, which includes a $25,000 cash prize for director Stephan Komandarev, to be split with the film’s producer.
Meanwhile, “Empty Nets” won the Special Jury Prize, securing a $15,00 prize for its director, Behrooz Karamizade, also to be split with the film’s producer.
Other winners include Best Director for Babak Jalali for the American production “Fremont,” and the French entry, “The Edge of the Blade,” directed by Vincent Perez, which won the The Pravo Audience Award.
Read on for the complete winner’s list.
Also Read:
‘We Have Never Been Modern’ Review: Czech Drama Looks at Sexuality Through the Lens of 1937
Crystal Globe Competition
Jury members:
Dora Bouchoucha,...
- 7/8/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (June 30 – July 8) came to a close this evening with an awards ceremony that bestowed two key prizes to contemporary Bulgarian drama Blaga’s Lessons (Urotcite Na Blaga) by director Stephan Komandarev.
The third film in the director’s trilogy about his country’s social ills focuses on an old woman duped by a telephone scam.
Also among winners on the night were Vincent Perez’s The Edge of the Blade (Une Affaire D’honneur), which took home the audience award, and filmmaker Babak Jalali, who took home the best director prize for the film Fremont.
There were two prizes on the night for Ernst De Geer’s The Hypnosis (Hypnosen) while the top industry award of 90,000 euros went to Czech film I’m Not Everything I Want to Be, which is currently in post.
As previously revealed, Russell Crowe...
The third film in the director’s trilogy about his country’s social ills focuses on an old woman duped by a telephone scam.
Also among winners on the night were Vincent Perez’s The Edge of the Blade (Une Affaire D’honneur), which took home the audience award, and filmmaker Babak Jalali, who took home the best director prize for the film Fremont.
There were two prizes on the night for Ernst De Geer’s The Hypnosis (Hypnosen) while the top industry award of 90,000 euros went to Czech film I’m Not Everything I Want to Be, which is currently in post.
As previously revealed, Russell Crowe...
- 7/8/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephan Komandarev’s Blaga’s Lessons, a Bulgarian/German co-production, has been chosen as the winner of the top prize — the Crystal Globe, which comes with a $25,000 prize — of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The festival announced the winners during its closing ceremony on Saturday. The film’s star, Eli Skorcheva, was named best actress. (See THR‘s review of the film here.)
Meanwhile, the top Czech festival’s special jury prize, which comes with a $15,000 check, was awarded to Behrooz Karamizade’s German-Iranian co-production Empty Nets (see THR’s review). Its audience award went to Vincent Perez’s The Edge of the Blade, a French film (see THR’s interview with Perez), and a special jury mention was designated for Cyril Aris’ Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano, a German-Lebanese entry (see THR’s review).
Babak Jalali was honored as best director for the American film Fremont,...
Meanwhile, the top Czech festival’s special jury prize, which comes with a $15,000 check, was awarded to Behrooz Karamizade’s German-Iranian co-production Empty Nets (see THR’s review). Its audience award went to Vincent Perez’s The Edge of the Blade, a French film (see THR’s interview with Perez), and a special jury mention was designated for Cyril Aris’ Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano, a German-Lebanese entry (see THR’s review).
Babak Jalali was honored as best director for the American film Fremont,...
- 7/8/2023
- by Georg Szalai and Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prizes also for ‘The Hypnosis’, ‘Fremont’.
Stephan Komandarev’s Bulgarian-German drama Blaga’s Lessons led the winners at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Kviff), taking three prizes including the Crystal Globe Grand Prix.
The eighth feature from Bulgarian filmmaker Komandarev also received the best actress prize, for Eli Skorcheva; and a non-statutory Grand Prize from the ecumenical jury.
The main Grand Prix from the Crystal Globe jury consists of $25,000, to be shared equally between the director and producers, the latter of which are Komandarev and Katya Trichkova.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
Blaga’s Lessons...
Stephan Komandarev’s Bulgarian-German drama Blaga’s Lessons led the winners at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Kviff), taking three prizes including the Crystal Globe Grand Prix.
The eighth feature from Bulgarian filmmaker Komandarev also received the best actress prize, for Eli Skorcheva; and a non-statutory Grand Prize from the ecumenical jury.
The main Grand Prix from the Crystal Globe jury consists of $25,000, to be shared equally between the director and producers, the latter of which are Komandarev and Katya Trichkova.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
Blaga’s Lessons...
- 7/8/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Bulgarian crime story “Blaga’s Lessons” by Stephan Komandarev scored the top prize and $25,000 at the 57th Karlovy Vary Film Festival on Saturday, capping a week of celebrating art film, stars and bold global work.
Calling his film a tribute to his parents’ generation, many of whom have become victims of the rough transition to capitalism, Komandarev accepted his Crystal Globe from actor Robin Wright and fest president Jiri Bartoska.
Wright, on winning the fest president’s prize moments earlier, said festgoers in the Czech spa town have shown a love for experiencing cinemas onscreen, urging them to keep up that passion as streaming platforms erode cinema audiences that have still not fully rebounded from pandemic days. “I thank all of you for supporting cinema. Let’s bring it back – Covid put a bit of downer on that.”
With sold out screenings ranging from Russell Crowe introducing “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World...
Calling his film a tribute to his parents’ generation, many of whom have become victims of the rough transition to capitalism, Komandarev accepted his Crystal Globe from actor Robin Wright and fest president Jiri Bartoska.
Wright, on winning the fest president’s prize moments earlier, said festgoers in the Czech spa town have shown a love for experiencing cinemas onscreen, urging them to keep up that passion as streaming platforms erode cinema audiences that have still not fully rebounded from pandemic days. “I thank all of you for supporting cinema. Let’s bring it back – Covid put a bit of downer on that.”
With sold out screenings ranging from Russell Crowe introducing “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World...
- 7/8/2023
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
The Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival, Eastern and Central Europe’s leading cinema event, has unveiled its lineup, which includes new works by Pascal Plante, Stephan Komandarev, Tinatin Kajrishvili and Babak Jalali in the Crystal Globes Competition. They will vie against films by up-and-comers Ernst De Geer, Itsaso Arana and Cyril Aris. The section has nine world and two international premieres. Oscar-nominated actor Patricia Clarkson is one of the jury members.
The Proxima Competition, which made its debut at last year’s Kviff, presents what the festival defines as “bold works,” directed by young filmmakers and renowned auteurs alike. The section comprises of 10 world and two international premieres. The festival says “playfulness, courage and freshness can be found” in the new films by Swiss auteur Thomas Imbach, Poland’s Olga Chajdas, Cyprus-born Kyros Papavassiliou, French filmmaker Émilie Brisavoine and Romanian documentarist Alexandru Solomon, among others.
Eight films will play in the Special Screenings section,...
The Proxima Competition, which made its debut at last year’s Kviff, presents what the festival defines as “bold works,” directed by young filmmakers and renowned auteurs alike. The section comprises of 10 world and two international premieres. The festival says “playfulness, courage and freshness can be found” in the new films by Swiss auteur Thomas Imbach, Poland’s Olga Chajdas, Cyprus-born Kyros Papavassiliou, French filmmaker Émilie Brisavoine and Romanian documentarist Alexandru Solomon, among others.
Eight films will play in the Special Screenings section,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The 57th Karlovy Vary Film Festival has unveiled its competition lineup for its 57th edition, set to run in the bucolic Czech spa town from June 30 to July 8.
Among this year’s competition highlights are Fremont, from Iranian-born, London-based director Babak Jalali, a dramedy based around Donya, a former Afghan translator for U.S. troops who now works in a fortune cookie factory in Fremont, USA. Empty Nets, from Iranian filmmaker Behrooz Karamizade, a love story set in a small fishing village in contemporary Iran, is also in the running for the festival’s Crystal Globe honor for best competition film.
Outside the competition, Karlovy Vary this year has put a focus on independent Iranian cinema, with a selection of recent works by directors working outside the Tehran regime.
Other 2023 competition highlights include Red Rooms, a Canadian darknet thriller from director Pascal Plante, Itsaso Arana’s Spanish drama The Girls Are Alright...
Among this year’s competition highlights are Fremont, from Iranian-born, London-based director Babak Jalali, a dramedy based around Donya, a former Afghan translator for U.S. troops who now works in a fortune cookie factory in Fremont, USA. Empty Nets, from Iranian filmmaker Behrooz Karamizade, a love story set in a small fishing village in contemporary Iran, is also in the running for the festival’s Crystal Globe honor for best competition film.
Outside the competition, Karlovy Vary this year has put a focus on independent Iranian cinema, with a selection of recent works by directors working outside the Tehran regime.
Other 2023 competition highlights include Red Rooms, a Canadian darknet thriller from director Pascal Plante, Itsaso Arana’s Spanish drama The Girls Are Alright...
- 5/30/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saurav Rai’s 2019 film ”Invitation” featured a child protagonist and once again the filmmaker centers a film on a young person.
Rai’s “Guras,” a Nepali and Hindi-language film, is a work-in-progress selection at the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf). It follows 9-year-old Guras, who lives in a mountain village in India’s Darjeeling district. Her pet dog goes missing and she embarks on a journey that soon turns mystical as she meets otherworldly beings along the way.
“I always had this fascination with my grandma’s real-life incident during her childhood when she stole someone’s vegetables from their garden. She ended up having chest pain after that and when her mother figured it out, she took her to the owner of the farmland. The owner immediately knew what had happened, so she smiled and prayed to her ancestors and relieved my grandma of the pain,” Rai says.
Rai’s “Guras,” a Nepali and Hindi-language film, is a work-in-progress selection at the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf). It follows 9-year-old Guras, who lives in a mountain village in India’s Darjeeling district. Her pet dog goes missing and she embarks on a journey that soon turns mystical as she meets otherworldly beings along the way.
“I always had this fascination with my grandma’s real-life incident during her childhood when she stole someone’s vegetables from their garden. She ended up having chest pain after that and when her mother figured it out, she took her to the owner of the farmland. The owner immediately knew what had happened, so she smiled and prayed to her ancestors and relieved my grandma of the pain,” Rai says.
- 3/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Hong Kong’s Haf adds 15 Wip projects ahead of first in-person edition since 2019.
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society has announced 15 work-in-progress projects, completing the full line-up of the 21st Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF21).
A total of 43 projects will be presented at Haf, including 28 in-development projects announced last month, which is set to run from March 13-15 alongside the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (Filmart). It will mark the first in-person edition for both events since pre-Covid 2019.
Scroll down for full list of projects
Emerging and established actors who lead the cast of the 15 Wip projects include Fish Liew,...
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society has announced 15 work-in-progress projects, completing the full line-up of the 21st Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF21).
A total of 43 projects will be presented at Haf, including 28 in-development projects announced last month, which is set to run from March 13-15 alongside the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (Filmart). It will mark the first in-person edition for both events since pre-Covid 2019.
Scroll down for full list of projects
Emerging and established actors who lead the cast of the 15 Wip projects include Fish Liew,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Fifteen additional work-in-progress films are set to join the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) that takes place next month alongside the FilMart rights market. They join 28 previously announced in-development projects.
The 21st edition of Haf runs March 13-15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be the first physical, in-person edition of the project event since 2019. All the work-in-progress projects will take part in a public pitching session on the first day.
The work-in-progress selection skews heavily towards Chinese language titles, with three originating in Hong Kong and the majority of the others from mainland China.
Leading names attached to the selected work-in-progress titles include producers Stanley Kwan (“Centre Stage”), Mai Meksawan (“Manta Ray”) and Ram Krishna Pokharel (“The Red Phallus”). Emerging and established actors including Fish Liew, Austin Lin, Ma Chih-Hsiang, Matsuda Ryuhei, Wang Xuebing, Wu Kang-Ren, and Zu Feng grace various projects.
The 21st edition of Haf runs March 13-15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be the first physical, in-person edition of the project event since 2019. All the work-in-progress projects will take part in a public pitching session on the first day.
The work-in-progress selection skews heavily towards Chinese language titles, with three originating in Hong Kong and the majority of the others from mainland China.
Leading names attached to the selected work-in-progress titles include producers Stanley Kwan (“Centre Stage”), Mai Meksawan (“Manta Ray”) and Ram Krishna Pokharel (“The Red Phallus”). Emerging and established actors including Fish Liew, Austin Lin, Ma Chih-Hsiang, Matsuda Ryuhei, Wang Xuebing, Wu Kang-Ren, and Zu Feng grace various projects.
- 2/8/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
“Agra” by Kanu Behl, “Joram” by Devashish Makhija and “Sultana’s Dream” by Isabel Herguera (San Sebastian selection “Kalebegiak”) are among the selections at India’s Film Bazaar Recommends (Fbr) strand.
The strand is a part of Film Bazaar, the South Asia film project market operated by India’s National Film Development Corporation. The Fbr selections, comprising 20 features, two mid-length films and eight shorts are chosen from 247 films in the market’s Viewing Room that presents films from India and South Asia, which are recently completed or still in post-production. The films are available for film festival selection, world sales, distribution partners or finishing funds. All the selections are awaiting their world premieres.
The 30 selected films will have the opportunity to pitch to Bazaar delegates during the market.
The Bazaar has also chosen five projects for its Work-In-Progress Lab, which provides the selected filmmakers an opportunity to screen the rough...
The strand is a part of Film Bazaar, the South Asia film project market operated by India’s National Film Development Corporation. The Fbr selections, comprising 20 features, two mid-length films and eight shorts are chosen from 247 films in the market’s Viewing Room that presents films from India and South Asia, which are recently completed or still in post-production. The films are available for film festival selection, world sales, distribution partners or finishing funds. All the selections are awaiting their world premieres.
The 30 selected films will have the opportunity to pitch to Bazaar delegates during the market.
The Bazaar has also chosen five projects for its Work-In-Progress Lab, which provides the selected filmmakers an opportunity to screen the rough...
- 11/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Title revealed of the upcoming feature from the director of ‘This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection’.
The next feature from Lesotho filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese is among 10 upcoming projects to receive support from the Hubert Bals Fund (Hbf), administered by the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The writer and director of Sundance award-winner This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection has received a grant of €10,000 for script and project development on his fourth feature, titled The Chattering Of Teeth.
Earlier this year, the filmmaker said he was developing a new feature around the theme of siege and fear...
The next feature from Lesotho filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese is among 10 upcoming projects to receive support from the Hubert Bals Fund (Hbf), administered by the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The writer and director of Sundance award-winner This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection has received a grant of €10,000 for script and project development on his fourth feature, titled The Chattering Of Teeth.
Earlier this year, the filmmaker said he was developing a new feature around the theme of siege and fear...
- 5/27/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
4th edition of Arthouse Asia Film Festival has ended on January 11, 2020 in Kolkata with a grand ceremony. The week-long festival has been arranged by Arthouse Film Foundation and has acquired the reputation of being the most prestigious industry focussed independent film festival in South Asia.
Shapath Das, the festival director has said that Arthouse Asia Foundation will continue to work for the encouragement and growth of Arthouse Independent Cinema. The team will focus on schools and colleges to spread awareness and nurture new talent. The journey has just started and sky is the limit.
Arthouse Asia Foundation has partnered with Festival des 3 Continents and has played a crucial role in bringing ‘Produire au Sud’ lab in India for the first time. Produire au Sud workshop for screenwriters and producers is known for mentoring international film projects worldwide. Seven projects from India, SriLanka, Bhutan and Nepal have been selected for the first time.
Shapath Das, the festival director has said that Arthouse Asia Foundation will continue to work for the encouragement and growth of Arthouse Independent Cinema. The team will focus on schools and colleges to spread awareness and nurture new talent. The journey has just started and sky is the limit.
Arthouse Asia Foundation has partnered with Festival des 3 Continents and has played a crucial role in bringing ‘Produire au Sud’ lab in India for the first time. Produire au Sud workshop for screenwriters and producers is known for mentoring international film projects worldwide. Seven projects from India, SriLanka, Bhutan and Nepal have been selected for the first time.
- 1/14/2020
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
The Arthouse Asia Film Festival, presented by Arthouse Film Foundation and Doab Uncut Motion will continue its tradition of celebrating and encouraging Arthouse cinema in 2020. This is the 4th edition of A2FF and the event has gone global in true sense in recent past. More than 50 films will be screened during the festival which include acclaimed shorts and full-length feature films. Out of these 12 films are premiering first time in Asia and 4 are Kolkata premiere. For the first time in India, a screenwriting and producers’ workshop has been arranged collaborating with internationally renowned Produire au Sud. 7 projects from South Asia have been selected for this workshop on 11th January.
Masterclass by eminent filmmakers, film talks, panel discussions and industry meet will also be organized during the event. For example a Masterclass by Buddhadeb Dasgupta in conversation with Aseem Chabra, festival director of New York Indian Film Festival, a Masterclass by Sanal Kumar Sashidharan,...
Masterclass by eminent filmmakers, film talks, panel discussions and industry meet will also be organized during the event. For example a Masterclass by Buddhadeb Dasgupta in conversation with Aseem Chabra, festival director of New York Indian Film Festival, a Masterclass by Sanal Kumar Sashidharan,...
- 1/5/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Pushpendra Singh’s ’The Shepherdess And The Seven Songs’ won the Vkaao Wip Lab Award.
Natesh Hegde’s Pedro and Ajitpal Singh’s Swizerland were presented with the Prasad Lab Di Award and Moviebuff Appreciation Award at the close of Film Bazaar, organised by India’s National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc), on Sunday night.
The two projects were selected from the five that participated in Film Bazaar’s Work-in-Progress (Wip) Lab. Prasad Lab Di and Moviebuff Appreciation Awards were also presented to one incomplete project in the Film Bazaar Recommends section – Where Is Pinki?, from Prithvi Konanur.
The awards include...
Natesh Hegde’s Pedro and Ajitpal Singh’s Swizerland were presented with the Prasad Lab Di Award and Moviebuff Appreciation Award at the close of Film Bazaar, organised by India’s National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc), on Sunday night.
The two projects were selected from the five that participated in Film Bazaar’s Work-in-Progress (Wip) Lab. Prasad Lab Di and Moviebuff Appreciation Awards were also presented to one incomplete project in the Film Bazaar Recommends section – Where Is Pinki?, from Prithvi Konanur.
The awards include...
- 11/25/2019
- ScreenDaily
Diverse selection will present projects from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Nepal, Singapore and the Us.
Film Bazaar, organised by India’s National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc), has announced the 14 projects that will take part in the Co-production Market at this year’s edition of the annual Goa-based event (November 20-24).
The diverse selection will present projects from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Nepal, Singapore and the Us. Languages involved in the projects include Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Assamese, Nepali, Dzongkha (Bhutanese) and Gujarati.
The line-up also includes projects from newcomers and more established talents, such as Indian director Alka Raghuram (Burqa...
Film Bazaar, organised by India’s National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc), has announced the 14 projects that will take part in the Co-production Market at this year’s edition of the annual Goa-based event (November 20-24).
The diverse selection will present projects from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Nepal, Singapore and the Us. Languages involved in the projects include Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Assamese, Nepali, Dzongkha (Bhutanese) and Gujarati.
The line-up also includes projects from newcomers and more established talents, such as Indian director Alka Raghuram (Burqa...
- 10/29/2019
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
India’s Film Bazaar, South Asia’s leading film project market, has revealed a 14-strong slate spanning Asia, Europe and the U.S. for its annual co-production jamboree in Goa. It is a diverse mix of festival favorites and debutants.
From India, producer Shaji Mathew’s Niv Art Movies, whose credits include 2017 Rotterdam winner “Sexy Durga”, returns with the Malayalam-language “The Deathplace” by Jiju Antory (“The Forsaken”). Also in Malayalam is “All Our Loves” by Mehdi Jahan, whose short “Jyoti and Joymoti” has won numerous awards. Heer Ganjwala will produce for Human Trail Pictures. Saurav Rai, winner of Mumbai’s 2019 grand jury prize for “Invitation,” reunites with Sanjay Gulati’s Crawling Angel Films for Nepali-language “Eternity.”
The international projects are also robust. Alka Raghuram (“Burqa Boxers”) will co-produce Hindi-language “The Mirror” via her U.S. outfit Junoon Pictures, alongside Celine Loop’s Traveling Light Productions.
Rubaiyat Hossain, whose directorial venture...
From India, producer Shaji Mathew’s Niv Art Movies, whose credits include 2017 Rotterdam winner “Sexy Durga”, returns with the Malayalam-language “The Deathplace” by Jiju Antory (“The Forsaken”). Also in Malayalam is “All Our Loves” by Mehdi Jahan, whose short “Jyoti and Joymoti” has won numerous awards. Heer Ganjwala will produce for Human Trail Pictures. Saurav Rai, winner of Mumbai’s 2019 grand jury prize for “Invitation,” reunites with Sanjay Gulati’s Crawling Angel Films for Nepali-language “Eternity.”
The international projects are also robust. Alka Raghuram (“Burqa Boxers”) will co-produce Hindi-language “The Mirror” via her U.S. outfit Junoon Pictures, alongside Celine Loop’s Traveling Light Productions.
Rubaiyat Hossain, whose directorial venture...
- 10/28/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Inspired by the filmmaker’s own experiences growing up in a village in West Bengal near Darjeeling, Invitation (Nimtoh) is a small, quirky first film told with humorous sympathy. It has a voice unmistakably its own, much like its 10-year-old protagonist. The simple story of a boy who wants to attend the wedding of the people he and his grandmother work for sheds unexpected light on the feudal structure of modern Indian villages, even though it’s hard to tell what class anyone belongs to other than rich and poor and poorer.
Writer-director Saurav Rai has twice been smiled on at ...
Writer-director Saurav Rai has twice been smiled on at ...
- 10/21/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Inspired by the filmmaker’s own experiences growing up in a village in West Bengal near Darjeeling, Invitation (Nimtoh) is a small, quirky first film told with humorous sympathy. It has a voice unmistakably its own, much like its 10-year-old protagonist. The simple story of a boy who wants to attend the wedding of the people he and his grandmother work for sheds unexpected light on the feudal structure of modern Indian villages, even though it’s hard to tell what class anyone belongs to other than rich and poor and poorer.
Writer-director Saurav Rai has twice been smiled on at ...
Writer-director Saurav Rai has twice been smiled on at ...
- 10/21/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Though Indian cinema drew a blank at the Cannes official selections and sidebars, the country has a sizable presence at the Market, with more than 40 films in various stages of progress represented, and many more via the India Pavilion.
Saurav Rai, whose short “Gudh” (Nest) was a selection at the Cinefondation section in 2016, returns to Cannes with his debut feature “Nimtoh” (Invitation). Part of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum Goes to Cannes program, the film follows a boy and his grandmother who are excited about an upcoming wedding in their remote mountain village.
Fresh off its world premiere at Tribeca, Bhaskar Hazarika’s tale of forbidden passions “Aamis” (Ravening) is represented at the Market by German sales outfit Media Luna.
The Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corp. is a regular presence at the Market and this year it is showcasing three films: veteran Sumitra Bhave’s “Dithee” (Seeing...
Saurav Rai, whose short “Gudh” (Nest) was a selection at the Cinefondation section in 2016, returns to Cannes with his debut feature “Nimtoh” (Invitation). Part of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum Goes to Cannes program, the film follows a boy and his grandmother who are excited about an upcoming wedding in their remote mountain village.
Fresh off its world premiere at Tribeca, Bhaskar Hazarika’s tale of forbidden passions “Aamis” (Ravening) is represented at the Market by German sales outfit Media Luna.
The Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corp. is a regular presence at the Market and this year it is showcasing three films: veteran Sumitra Bhave’s “Dithee” (Seeing...
- 5/14/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Projects selected by Annecy, Haf, Los Cabos, New Horizons, Thessaloniki and Malaga festivals will pitch to industry.
The Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25) has announced the festivals and projects that will take part in its Goes to Cannes showcase (May 18-20).
Five international film festivals have been invited to programme work-in-progress projects actively seeking a sales agent, distributors or a festival selection.
The festivals taking part in the event this year are: Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), Los Cabos International Film Festival, New Horizons International Film Festival,...
The Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25) has announced the festivals and projects that will take part in its Goes to Cannes showcase (May 18-20).
Five international film festivals have been invited to programme work-in-progress projects actively seeking a sales agent, distributors or a festival selection.
The festivals taking part in the event this year are: Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), Los Cabos International Film Festival, New Horizons International Film Festival,...
- 4/16/2019
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Bhaskar Hazarika’s “Ravening” (“Aamis”) won the Facebook award for the project with the most buzz at the Film Bazaar Recommends strand at the annual Film Bazaar in Goa, India. The award is calculated on audience votes and number of visits to the film at the Bazaar’s viewing room. The project gets $10,000 worth of advertising on Facebook.
“Aamis” previously featured in the 2017 Asian Project Market at Busan. Hazarika’s debut “The River of Fables” had considerable festival play in 2015, including Busan, London and Gothenburg.
Prateek Vats’ “Eeb Allay Ooo!” won the Facebook award for best film at the Bazaar’s work in progress lab. The lab also features awards from Prasad Labs that offers free digital intermediate process for winning films, free mastering of Dci compliant DCPs from Moviebuff, and $3000 worth of trailer promotion in 300 Qube cinemas. Saurav Rai’s “Nimtoh” (“Invitation”) and Jadab Mahanta’s “Rukuni Koina” (“The Holy Bride”) won these awards.
“Aamis” previously featured in the 2017 Asian Project Market at Busan. Hazarika’s debut “The River of Fables” had considerable festival play in 2015, including Busan, London and Gothenburg.
Prateek Vats’ “Eeb Allay Ooo!” won the Facebook award for best film at the Bazaar’s work in progress lab. The lab also features awards from Prasad Labs that offers free digital intermediate process for winning films, free mastering of Dci compliant DCPs from Moviebuff, and $3000 worth of trailer promotion in 300 Qube cinemas. Saurav Rai’s “Nimtoh” (“Invitation”) and Jadab Mahanta’s “Rukuni Koina” (“The Holy Bride”) won these awards.
- 11/25/2018
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Strange Old Lady, Ravening and Eeb Allay Ooo! also picks up awards from Prasad, Qube and Facebook.
Saurav Rai’s Invitation and Jadab Mahanta’s The Holy Bride were both presented with Prasad Post-Production & Moviebuff Appreciation Awards in the Works-in-Progress Lab at this year’s edition of Film Bazaar.
Invitation (Nimtoh), a Nepalese-language drama, tells the story of a ten-year-old village boy who upsets his grandmother by trying to get invited to a wedding within a wealthy family. Assamese-language The Holy Bride (Rukuni Koina) revolves around a girl who suffers social stigma due to a disease that prevents her from entering puberty.
Saurav Rai’s Invitation and Jadab Mahanta’s The Holy Bride were both presented with Prasad Post-Production & Moviebuff Appreciation Awards in the Works-in-Progress Lab at this year’s edition of Film Bazaar.
Invitation (Nimtoh), a Nepalese-language drama, tells the story of a ten-year-old village boy who upsets his grandmother by trying to get invited to a wedding within a wealthy family. Assamese-language The Holy Bride (Rukuni Koina) revolves around a girl who suffers social stigma due to a disease that prevents her from entering puberty.
- 11/24/2018
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
It’s over but it opened L.A.’s newest spring season of unlimited international film screenings all over the city throughout the month of April and into Cannes.
The 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) opened with “Lipstick Under My Burkha” and its impressive ensemble cast of Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur in a dramatic, but irreverent and vibrant film about women and faith. The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival 2016 and has been lighting up the festival circuit, including just winning the Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival. Director Alankrita Shrivastava is confirmed to attend and additional talent to be confirmed.
“Lipstick Under My Burkha”
Iffla concluded on April 9 with a red carpet and gala that featured the Los Angeles premiere of Shubhashish Bhutiani’s “Hotel Salvation” starring Adil Hussain who was in attendance, as well as the...
The 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) opened with “Lipstick Under My Burkha” and its impressive ensemble cast of Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur in a dramatic, but irreverent and vibrant film about women and faith. The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival 2016 and has been lighting up the festival circuit, including just winning the Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival. Director Alankrita Shrivastava is confirmed to attend and additional talent to be confirmed.
“Lipstick Under My Burkha”
Iffla concluded on April 9 with a red carpet and gala that featured the Los Angeles premiere of Shubhashish Bhutiani’s “Hotel Salvation” starring Adil Hussain who was in attendance, as well as the...
- 4/21/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Naomi Kawase to head the Cinéfondation and Short Films jury.
With the Official Selection of features for the 69th Cannes Film Festival (May 11-22) set to be revealed tomorrow (April 14), the line-up of Short Films has been unveiled in advance.
This year the Selection Committee received 5,008 short films – 458 more than in 2015.
Ten films will compete for the Short Film Palme d’Or, to be awarded by Japanese director Naomi Kawase, president of the Cinéfondation and Short Films jury, at the festival’s awards ceremony on May 22.
The titles are mostly from Europe and Latin America, with one from Asia and one from Africa.
Short Films Competition
La Laine Sur Le Dos
Lofti Achour (Tunisia, France)
Dreamlands
Sara Dunlop (UK)
Timecode
Juanjo Gimenez (Spain)
Imago
Raymund Gutierrez (Philippines)
Mother (Madre)
Simón Mesa Soto (Colombia)
The Girl who Danced with the Devil (A Moça Que Dançou Com O Diabo)
João Paulo Miranda Maria (Brazil)
Après Suzanne
Félix Moati (France...
With the Official Selection of features for the 69th Cannes Film Festival (May 11-22) set to be revealed tomorrow (April 14), the line-up of Short Films has been unveiled in advance.
This year the Selection Committee received 5,008 short films – 458 more than in 2015.
Ten films will compete for the Short Film Palme d’Or, to be awarded by Japanese director Naomi Kawase, president of the Cinéfondation and Short Films jury, at the festival’s awards ceremony on May 22.
The titles are mostly from Europe and Latin America, with one from Asia and one from Africa.
Short Films Competition
La Laine Sur Le Dos
Lofti Achour (Tunisia, France)
Dreamlands
Sara Dunlop (UK)
Timecode
Juanjo Gimenez (Spain)
Imago
Raymund Gutierrez (Philippines)
Mother (Madre)
Simón Mesa Soto (Colombia)
The Girl who Danced with the Devil (A Moça Que Dançou Com O Diabo)
João Paulo Miranda Maria (Brazil)
Après Suzanne
Félix Moati (France...
- 4/13/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
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