Latest news with #IFFLA
News18
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rana Daggubati Secures Indian Distribution For Sundance-Winner Film Sabar Bonda
Alongside its Indian theatrical release, Sabar Bonda has secured North American distribution with Strand Releasing. Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), the Sundance-lauded feature film written and directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, is set for its Indian release with distribution helmed by Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media. They previously distributed the acclaimed Cannes Grand Prix winner All We Imagine as Light in India. The film follows Anand, a city-dweller grappling with personal loss and familial pressures, as he embarks on a 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village. Amid the rugged beauty of western India, he finds solace and connection with Balya, a childhood friend facing similar societal expectations. Featuring a stellar cast, including Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap, the narrative delicately captures the complexities of personal relationships forged under challenging circumstances and celebrates the courage it takes to honour one's truth. A film of many firsts, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) made history earlier this year as the first-ever Indian fiction feature to win at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. Selected from thousands of submissions worldwide, it stood as India's only feature in competition and marked another milestone as the first Marathi-language film ever to premiere at the festival. Since then, the film has travelled across the globe, screening at over 25 international film festivals and winning accolades, including Best Feature Film, Audience Choice Awards, and Honourable Mentions at prestigious platforms such as SXSW London, San Francisco International Film Festival, IFFLA, and more. Now, with its Indian theatrical release, Sabar Bonda finally comes home. On collaborating with Sabar Bonda for its Indian theatrical release, Rana Daggubati, Spirit Media, said, 'At Spirit Media, we champion great stories that can transcend beyond languages and borders. Sabar Bonda has carried Indian cinema to new heights on the global stage; all credit to Rohan for bringing such honesty and tenderness to it, and the producers for supporting this film's journey. We're thrilled to now bring the film home to Indian audiences who will find their own reflections in its beauty and truth." Reflecting on the film's journey and its Indian theatrical release, writer-director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade shared, 'Having Spirit Media distribute Sabar Bonda in India feels incredibly meaningful. This film reimagines one of the most intimate experiences of my life into a story about love, acceptance, and resilience." He added, 'To see it resonate with audiences across the world has been overwhelming in the best way, but bringing it home to India carries a different kind of fulfilment. What excites me most about this partnership is not just the release itself, but the possibility it represents – the chance for regional, authentic, and emotionally honest Indian stories to find space in theatres here, and to claim their place in our larger cultural memory. With Spirit Media, I believe Sabar Bonda will truly find its way to hearts across India." Developed under the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022-2023 and NFDC Marathi script camp and presented at global platforms like the Film London Production Finance Market, NFDC Marathi Script Camp, Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, Venice Gap Financing Market, and Goes to Cannes, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) showcases the finest talents of an international collaborative effort. Produced by Neeraj Churi (UK), Mohamed Khaki (Canada), Kaushik Ray (UK), Naren Chandavarkar (India), Sidharth Meer (India), and Hareesh Reddypalli (India), with co-producer, Neha Kaul and acclaimed actor Jim Sarbh and associate producer Rajesh Parwatkar, the film is a remarkable achievement for Marathi cinema. First Published: August 21, 2025, 12:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Sabar Bonda' continues strong festival run, wins audience award at IFFLA
Following its history-making win at the Sundance film festival earlier this year, Rohan Kanawade's Marathi-language queer drama Sabar Bonda has added another feather to its cap. The film, about a young man returning to his roots in rural Maharashtra, recently won the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) 2025. The film also received an Honorary Mention for Acting from the IFFLA jury for the performances of Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman. Sabar Bonda follows city-dweller Anand, played by Manoj, as he embarks on a 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village after his father's death. Speaking about the win at IFFLA, the producers in a joint statement said, 'From the beginning, we knew Sabar Bonda was a quiet recognition is not just for our team, but for the entire ecosystem of independent cinema.' They added: 'We're proud to see it embraced at such an iconic platform like IFFLA. An audience recognition like this one reaffirms something we've always held true: there is an audience for every story.' Back in February, Sabar Bonda became the first Indian fiction film to win in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The film secured a theatrical release in North America via Strand Releasing.
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles unveils expanded Industry Days and new initiative for South Asian storytellers
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) has revealed exciting developments for its upcoming edition, including an expanded Industry Days programme and the introduction of IFFLA Connect, a brand-new initiative aimed at linking emerging South Asian film projects with top-tier industry professionals. Taking place on 8 and 9 May at the Landmark Theatres Sunset, IFFLA Industry Days will bring together rising talents and key figures from leading organisations such as Netflix, Neon, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, Temple Hill Entertainment, and more. The two-day programme is designed to foster meaningful industry engagement for South Asian filmmakers and content creators. A major highlight this year is IFFLA Connect, presented in collaboration with Cinévesture. This curated platform will feature ten South Asian-led film projects, including works from India, Nepal and Bangladesh, alongside a selection from North America. Among the anticipated titles are Radhika Apte's directorial debut Koyta, Nuhash Humayun's Moving Bangladesh, Deepak Rauniyar's Taste of My Dreams, and Ravi Kapoor's Patel. The initiative aims to support filmmakers with crucial industry access in financing, casting, and production. Festival producer Noopur Sinha commented, 'IFFLA Connect is about opening doors – ensuring these remarkable stories get the attention and support they deserve from Hollywood and beyond.' The returning Launchpad: Pitch Competition will give five finalists the chance to present their developing projects to a panel of industry experts and a live audience. One winner will receive a $10,000 development grant. Selected finalists will receive instant feedback on their pitches, allowing for valuable real-time insight from influential decision-makers. This year's Industry Days also feature two timely panel discussions: The Human Loop: Storytelling and Responsibility in the Age of AI and Global Vision: Specialty Studios and the Future of International Storytelling. These conversations will delve into the ethical implications of AI in the creative process, and explore how studios are embracing global narratives to shape the future of cinema. IFFLA will also celebrate the acclaimed stage production Life of Pi, now on its first U.S. tour, with a special panel focusing on its journey from page to stage and its broader cultural resonance. Additionally, a masterclass titled From Dhaka to Hollywood: The Genre-Bending World of Nuhash Humayun will offer an in-depth look at the Bangladeshi filmmaker's unique approach to storytelling, and how his work blends local narratives with global genre elements. Access passes for IFFLA Industry Days are currently on sale. A full Industry All-Access Pass, priced at $220, includes entry to all festival screenings and events, while an $80 Industry Days Pass offers access to panels, the masterclass, pitch competition final, and relevant screenings. IFFLA has also revealed its 2025 juries. The Feature Jury includes Indian actress Rajshri Deshpande, writer-director Priyanka Mattoo, and respected film critic Carla Renata. The Short Film Jury features filmmaker Maureen Bharoocha, actress-writer Kausar Mohammed, and Sundance programmer Sudeep Sharma. For more information and passes, visit
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Life of Pi' Stage Adaptation in Spotlight as IFFLA Expands Industry Days (EXCLUSIVE)
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) will spotlight the acclaimed stage adaptation of 'Life of Pi' during its expanded Industry Days program. The panel 'Bringing Life of Pi to Life – From Page to Stage' will explore the journey of transforming Yann Martel's beloved novel into groundbreaking theater featuring innovative puppetry and staging. Cast members Savidu Geevaratne, Sharayu Mahale and Sorab Wadia will participate in a conversation about representation, adaptation and the cultural significance of a South Asian-led narrative on Broadway and beyond. More from Variety Rotterdam Winner 'Bad Girl,' Venice Selection 'Little Jaffna' Bookend IFFLA 2025 as Fest Expands Industry Programming (EXCLUSIVE) 'Black Warrant' Team Unpacks Netflix Series Success at Cinevesture Film Festival Radhika Apte, Hansal Mehta, Nandita Das and Kani Kusruti Among Talent Behind 22 Projects at India's CinéV Film Market (EXCLUSIVE) The panel is part of IFFLA's robust two-day industry forum scheduled for May 8-9, 2025, at the Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles, which has been expanded following last year's successful inaugural edition. 'Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect, engage with prominent industry leaders, forge and nurture meaningful relationships, and explore an eclectic slate of projects with universal appeal,' said Christina Marouda, executive director of IFFLA. A masterclass titled 'From Dhaka to Hollywood: The Genre-Bending World of Nuhash Humayun' will highlight one of South Asia's emerging filmmaking talents. In this session, Humayun, known for his horror short 'Moshari,' will reflect on telling bold local stories that resonate globally, working across industries and geographies, and creating space for South Asian horror in global cinema. A highlight of this year's program is the launch of IFFLA Connect, a new initiative presented in collaboration with Cinévesture. The program will showcase South Asian film projects from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the banner CinéV-IFFLA, alongside North American projects curated by IFFLA. The South Asian lineup includes 'Friends and Fascism' from director Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy (India/U.S.); 'Kafala' and 'Moving Bangladesh' from Nuhash Humayun (Bangladesh); actor Radhika Apte's directorial debut 'Koyta' (India), produced by Vikramaditya Motwane; 'Papita' from director Aakash Bhatia (India) with producer Richa Chadha; Leena Manimekalai's 'Saracura' (India); Afronza Hossain's 'Song of Jhinuk' (Bangladesh); and Deepak Rauniyar's 'The Taste of Dreams' (Nepal), with the latter two films being produced by Nina Lath. The North American projects feature Sachin Dheeraj's 'Mouna Tharangam (A Silent Wave)' (U.S.) and Ravi Kapoor's 'Patel' (U.S.), bringing diverse South Asian diasporic voices to the program. 'This initiative is about getting these powerful, South Asian-led projects the access and backing they need from Hollywood industry partners,' said Noopur Sinha, festival producer. The Launchpad: Pitch Competition returns with finalists Alisha Bhowmik ('Untitled Kolkata Film'), Vankshita Mishra ('The Moth & the Fly'), the team of Venk Potula, Rena Patel and Bijon Imtiaz ('Now & Then'), Kiana Rawji ('Adult Children'), and Minoti Vaishnav ('The Secret Life of Samira Sen') presenting projects to industry executives for a chance to win a $10,000 development grant. The competition will be judged by a diverse panel including TV and film producer Aanch Khaneja, Temple Hill Entertainment's Isaac Klausner, Gaumont Television's Santiago Marcos, writer Madhuri Shekar, and Inflection Point Entertainment's Chisom Ude. Industry Days will also feature panels on AI in storytelling and international cinema's future, with participation from executives representing Netflix, Neon, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, and other major players. The feature film jury includes acclaimed actor Rajshri Deshpande, author Priyanka Mattoo, and film critic Carla Renata, while the short film jury comprises director Maureen Bharoocha, actor-writer Kausar Mohammed, and Sundance programmer Sudeep Sharma. IFFLA runs May 6-10. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
