Latest news with #MarcheduFilm
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Minu Bakshi on her film being screened at Cannes film festival 2025: It's incredible
Author, poet, singer- Minu Bakshi wears many hats. And now, she has added another feather- her film, I Am, I Can, which traces her journey so far and the lives she touched through her art, was screened at the Cannes film festival recently. A post shared by Minu Bakshi (@minubakshi) She shared a video on her Instagram account recently, which captured the special moment. As someone filmed her reaction, Minu said, 'It is incredible to be at the Cannes. We can dream about these things... what better can I expect from life?' The screening took place at the Marche du Film section of Cannes. "The next stop is screening the film at the major red carpet section. Yahaan se bas upar hi jaana hai (I have to rise further above) But even the sky has never been the limit for me,' she added.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Assamese short film 'Ansuni Chinkhe' receives warm reception at Cannes Marche du Film screening
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 28 (ANI): 'Ansuni Chinkhe' (Unheard Whispers), a socially charged Assamese short film directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, has made a significant mark on the global stage following its recent online screening at the prestigious Marche du Film, the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival. A deeply thought-provoking film with a powerful message, 'Ansuni Chinkhe' was showcased to an international audience of film professionals, critics, and distributors during the Marche du Film's online screening segment. Viewers and professionals praised the film for its artistic execution and the depth with which it handled socially pressing issues, particularly those affecting women and marginalised voices. Narrated by National Award-winning actress Seema Biswas, the film portrays the challenging yet powerful story of a young girl in India, shedding light on the obstacles she faces from birth through adulthood. The short film explores the inherent contradictions in Indian society, where women are revered as goddesses on one hand, yet subjected to brutal discrimination and violence on the other. Mahanta said the story begins even before birth, spotlighting the grim reality of female feticide. 'If a girl child survives and is born, she is often pushed into child marriage, her agency stripped away before she even reaches adolescence. Once married, her identity is dissolved into that of her husband's, whom she is expected to worship as her supreme deity. The physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that follows is heartbreakingly common, yet rarely acknowledged. However, Ansuni Chinkhe is not merely a narrative of suffering. The film not only depicts adversity but also aims to inspire change, serving as a cinematic expression of resistance and empowerment,' Mahanta said. He further said that the woman in the story reclaims her identity as Shakti--the divine embodiment of feminine power--and declares that silence is no longer an option. 'Her unheard whispers rise into a roar as she breaks the chains of oppression and asserts her rightful place in society,' he said. Ansuni Chinkhe's powerful message is magnified by the unique lens of Mahanta- a visionary storyteller who serves as the Chief of Assam Police's Special Task Force. As a law enforcement official with a deep understanding of the societal structures that perpetuate gender injustice, Mahanta brings a rare combination of empathy, authenticity, and insight to the film. Mahanta, who has previously been known for his contributions to public safety and policy reform, ventured into filmmaking as an extension of his commitment to social justice. With Ansuni Chinkhe, he channels his experiences on the front lines of crime and society into an evocative cinematic narrative that bridges art and activism. 'The film is a tribute to the countless women whose voices have been stifled for generations,' Mahanta said. Through 'Ansuni Chinkhe,' the makers aim to spark conversations, break silences, and contribute to a movement in which every woman reclaims her rightful place in society. Prior to its Cannes debut, Ansuni Chinkhe had already garnered critical acclaim on the national festival circuit. The film was honoured at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2025, where it won - Best Director: Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Best Actress: Seema Biswas. These awards were earned in a highly competitive edition of the festival, which received around 2,408 film entries from 88 countries, reinforcing the film's creative excellence and international relevance. The film's inclusion in the Marche du Film represents a noteworthy achievement for the team behind it and contributes to the growing global presence of Assamese-language cinema. At a time when regional Indian films are steadily gaining global attention, Ansuni Chinkhe stands out as a beacon of how storytelling rooted in local culture and language can have a universal impact. Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, both passionate advocates for social storytelling, produced the film. Their collaboration with Mahanta has resulted in a cinematic piece that is as aesthetically rich as it is socially significant. In a world grappling with gender inequality and systemic violence against women, 'Ansuni Chinkhe' serves as both a mirror and a megaphone. It reflects the lived experiences of millions of women and amplifies the urgent need for cultural and legislative change. Through art, it dares to provoke, educate, and inspire. Following its screening at Cannes, the filmmakers are in discussions for wider digital distribution to ensure that 'Ansuni Chinkhe' reaches broader audiences both in India and abroad. The film team also plans to screen it in academic institutions, gender forums, and film societies to continue the important conversations it sparks. (ANI)
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Malaysia, Indonesia partner to boost film industries globally
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia are set to form a strategic partnership aimed at elevating their local film industries to international standards, positioning them as a global focus. To achieve this, a specialised team will be established, concentrating on script development and examining the financial structures necessary for film production. The initiative follows a meeting between the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and an Indonesian delegation, led by Deputy Culture Minister, Giring Ganesha. The discussions took place during the recent Marche du Film event in Cannes, France. Finas chief executive officer, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, said he had previously discussed this collaboration with Indonesian Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, at a film event in Hong Kong. "Among the things we are discussing is producing a film project together. Perhaps a story about culture, especially one that highlights Eastern values," Azmir told BH Online. He added that both nations share many cultural similarities, such as removing shoes when entering a home, eating with hands, and respecting parents, making shared storytelling a natural fit. The Indonesian delegation in Cannes included renowned actors Christine Hakim, Chelsea Islan, Iko Uwais, and Reza Rahadian. Azmir stated that the special team would comprise representatives from both countries to foster collaborative idea generation and creativity. "The current plan is to form a special team that will research and produce the script. There will be representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia." Azmir suggested exploring stories about figures or imams known across the archipelago, such as those recognised in both Malaysia and Indonesia. This bilateral cooperation will also encourage private agencies to provide mutual assistance. "This initiative is not 100 per cent funded by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments. This planning also involves private agencies," Azmir clarified. The partnership aims to produce films not only for the Malaysian and Indonesian markets but also for export to various other countries. "During the discussion, we thought it was time to produce a film for international viewing that tells about our culture and language," he added. Indonesian filmmakers have also expressed interest in Malaysia's success in animated films. Azmir noted: "Our animated films like 'Boboiboy' can be said to be strong, that's why they are interested in doing this two-way collaboration." Conversely, Malaysia acknowledges Indonesia's strong storytelling capabilities and cultural portrayals in films. Azmir believes that combining Malaysia's technical and animation expertise with Indonesia's narrative strengths will lead to a more robust outcome. The discussions have been communicated to Finas chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, and Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Azmir anticipates further engagement with the Indonesian side at both the CEO and ministerial levels.
The National
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
From Mrs UAE World to Cannes: Dubai resident Debanjali Kamstra makes acting debut
Entrepreneur and Dubai resident Debanjali Kamstra, who was crowned Mrs Earth in 2023, is realising her childhood dreams of being an actress with her film being shown at the Cannes Film Festival. Kamstra's short film, 30 Days of Autumn, is being unveiled at the festival's film market, Marche du Film. Backed by her production company, Veloche Productions, and directed by Sudipto Roy, the film is an adaptation of the classic short story, The Postmaster by Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Written in 1891, the original explores themes of loneliness and human connection, and follows a postmaster from Calcutta who, after being transferred to a remote village and struggling to adjust to his new life, strikes up a friendship with an orphaned village girl. In 30 Days of Autumn, the story centres on the relationship between a visitor Arpita Chakraborty, played by Kamstra, and a village boy Ratan, played by Maulik Ghosh. "Wanting to be on screen and in front of the camera was more of a forgotten childhood dream," Kamstra tells The National. "It was always there in the background, but I've never prioritised it, instead choosing to focus on my entrepreneurial journey. "It was after winning the title of Mrs World UAE and Mrs Earth 2023 that the dream kind of re-awakened." Kamstra, a former flight attendant who started her interior design business in Dubai a decade ago, became the first woman to represent the UAE at the 2022 Mrs World pageant, a beauty contest for married women. Kamstra was one of 15 finalists at the event held in Las Vegas, and eventually placed third. She represented the UAE again at Mrs Earth in 2023 and won. Her business has also expanded, and now includes a furnishings business, as well as Veloche Productions, which she launched last year with Indian film industry veteran Sandhya Ramachandran. 30 Days of Autumn is the first film to be produced by her banner. Originally from West Bengal in India, Kamstra had no formal acting training, but underwent an intensive workshop to prepare for her role. "I grew up watching a lot of movies wondering what it would be like if I had to say dialogues, do that dance sequence etc. So you could say there was a lot of informal training," she says. "It was my first time on a movie set and I loved every minute of it. The energy, the collaborative and highly creative process, the technicality all of it was absolutely mesmerising. "It was also overwhelming and a bit like an out of body experience to see myself on the big screen." At Cannes, Kamstra and Ramachandran are also launching their first feature film, a yet-untitled horror movie in English. Based on Indian folklore and mysticism, the film will be directed by Salil Jason Fernandes and Aliya Curmally, with production set to begin next year. A production fund has also been announced, open to aspiring filmmakers who may lack access to the film industry. While more details of the fund are yet to be announced, Veloche Productions will be accepting script submissions between July and September, with one winner to be announced in October. The fund will be initially open for talents in India ("as a litmus test") with plans to broaden its scope to those who live in the UAE from next year. "The idea for the production came from the desire to build on who I already was and get involved in projects that would compliment everything I already stand for," says Kamstra. "This is how we came up with the idea of setting up a production house where the focus is going to be on creating powerful narratives that empower, enrich and entertain." The fund, she hopes, will do the same, and provide talented filmmakers with opportunities and access. "My nature is to keep growing and keep moving, so I can assure you that there is a lot more coming up in the near future," she says.
United News of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Marathi cinema marks decade-long presence in Cannes Film Market
Cannes, May 17 (UNI) Marathi cinema is aiming for the global market with Maharashtra completing a decade as the only state pavilion from India at the Cannes Film Market. The Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation (MFSCDC) pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, which began on May 13, has four new feature films from independent filmmakers representing Marathi cinema. Supported by the Maharashtra government's ministry of culture and the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari, which functions under the administration of MFSCDC, the Maharashtra pavilion is in its tenth year at the Cannes Film Market, the biggest film market in the world. "Four Marathi feature films were selected by the MFSCDC this year to showcase Marathi Cinema in the Marche du Film at the 78th Cannes Film Festival," says Marathi filmmaker Manoj Khadam, who is coordinating the Maharashtra pavilion. 'STHAL - A Match' directed by Jayant Somlkar, 'Snow Flower' by Gajendra Ahire, 'Khalid's Shivaji' by Raj More and 'Old Furniture' by Mahesh Manjrekar, are representing Marathi cinema in Cannes this year. "A total of 48 films were received out of which four films were selected for screening in the Cannes Film Market," adds Khadam, whose debut film, 'Kshitij', which deals with education for girl children in the drought-prone Marathwada region, won 17 awards, including the Maharashtra state award for Best Film and Best Director. "The Maharashtra government along with Film City Mumbai has been successfully showcasing Marathi Cinema at the Cannes Film Market to provide a platform for independent filmmakers to interact with the international producers, distributors and filmmakers to establish themselves on a global platform," explains Khadam. "Marathi Cinema is well appreciated since its inception as the first Indian film ('Raja Harishchandra' by Dadasaheb Phalke) made in 1913 . A lot of young filmmakers from rural areas are successfully bringing up new concepts and merging them with new technologies to create their own exclusive style in filmmaking," says Khadam. The Maharashtra pavilion will function at the Cannes Film Market, called Marche du Film, from May 13 to 20 this year to promote and market Marathi films. First set up in 2016, the Maharashtra pavilion in the Cannes film market has been present in Cannes every year since then, except in 2020 when it participated online. The state pavilion has so far screened more than 40 feature films in the Cannes film market while bringing as many emerging filmmakers from the state to the famous festival in the past one decade. "The Marathi cinema doesn't have a star-based culture," says Raj More, the director of 'Khalid's Shivaji', a critique of discrimination based on caste, religion, gender and race. "The Marathi audience watch films for their content," adds the debutant director, an alumnus of the JJ School of Arty, Mumbai. "The Maharashtra government's promotion of Marathi cinema is part of the state's culture policy unveiled last year," says Mahesh Varhal, Deputy Secretary, Maharashtra Culture Department. "A single-window permission for shooting in Maharashtra was announced by the Maharashtra government this year," adds Geetha Deshpande, Chief Administrative Officer, Film City, Goregaon. UNI XC PRS
