Latest news with #Orizzonti
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Faridkot to the red carpet: Prateek Bagi's ‘Mother' set to open Venice film fest
Bathinda: A feature film based on the life of Mother Teresa and epnomo, has been selected as the opening film of the Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Faridkot-based producer Prateek Bagi is the co-producer of the film, who filmed the Kolkata (India) portion of the film. Prateek, though belonging to Faridkot, settled in Kolkata for the last few years. Earlier, Prateek Bagi's film 'Kalkokkho' bagged the national award in the best Bengali film category at the 69th National Film Awards in October 2023. Prateek, who is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, has been involved in film production for some years. 'Kalkokkho' highlights the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Mother", directed by Macedonian film director and screenwriter Teona Strugar Mitevska and co-produced by Prateek Bagi, is competing with 18 films in the Orizzonti programme, which will be held from August 27 to September 6. The Kolkata leg of the movie was filmed for 11 days across Howrah Bridge, Bara Bazaar, Kumartuli, Southern Avenue, Kalighat, Ahiritola, and at Loreto Convent and St Mary's School in Entally, where Mother Teresa once taught. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lamper Lor: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Grandson of freedom fighter Ram Prasad Bagi from Faridkot and son of Satish Bagi and Bindu Bagi, Prateek produced films Kalkokkho (2021), Mon Pontogo (2024), and Srishti (2025) as a producer with production house Raging Films. "We are elated over the film Mother, co-produced by Prateek, being selected for the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Hope it makes it big in the festival," said proud father Satish Bagi, who runs a laboratory in Faridkot. MSID:: 122907749 413 |
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mother, co-produced by Faridkot based Prateek Bagi selected for Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival
BATHINDA: Mother, a feature film on the life of 'Mother Teresa' has been selected as the opening film of the Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Faridkot based producer Prateek Bagi is co-producer of the film, who filmed the Kolkata (India) portion of the film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Prateek though belongs to Faridkot but settled in Kolkata for the last some years. Earlier Parteek Bagi' film 'Kalkokkho' had bagged the national award in the best Bengali film category at the 69th National Film Awards in October 2023. Prateek, who is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, is into film production for some years. 'Kalkokkho' highlights the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Mother", which has been directed by Macedonian film director and screenwriter Teona Strugar Mitevska has been co-produced by Prateek Bagi, is competing with 18 films in the Orizzonti programme which will be held from August 27 to September 6. The Kolkata leg of the movie was filmed for 11 days across Howrah Bridge, Bara Bazaar, Kumartuli, Southern Avenue, Kalighat, Ahiritola, and at Loreto Convent and St Mary's School in Entally where Mother Teresa once taught. Grandson of freedom fighter Ram Prasad Bagi from Faridkot and son of Satish Bagi and Bindu Bagi, Prateek produced films Kalkokkho (2021), Mon Pontogo (2024) and Srishti (2025) Kalkokkho (21) as producer with production house Raging Films. 'We are elated over the film Mother, co-produced by Prateek selected for the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Hope it makes it big in the festival', said proud father Satish Bagi, who runs a laboratory at Faridkot.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Film on Mother Teresa goes to Venice film festival
1 2 Kolkata: A feature film on Mother Teresa, which follows seven consecutive days at a pivotal moment in her life when she decides to leave the Loreto Convent Entally in Kolkata and launch the Missionaries of Charity, has been selected as the opening film of the Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. "Mother", directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska and co-produced by a Kolkata-based company helmed by SRFTI's Shaunak Sur and Prateek Bagi, is competing with 18 films in the Orizzonti programme. The unit has thanked the chief minister for providing support for making Kolkata a shooting-friendly destination for international cinema. The last Kolkata film that went to Venice was "Once Upon A Time in Calcutta" in 2021. Set in 1948, "Mother" follows a devout Catholic nun driven by her passion to aid the vulnerable. To pursue her calling, she awaits a response from the Vatican, seeking release from her duties as Mother Superior. But tension mounts when she discovers that the successor she chooses harbours a secret. Like Mother Teresa , the film's director was born in Skopje in North Macedonia. In 2010-2011, she first came to Kolkata after being commissioned a documentary by a European television company. The documentary never happened but the director returned last year to shoot a feature film with Swedish actor Noomi Rapace playing the lead. Others in the cast include Sylvia Hoeks, Nikola Ristanovski, Akshay Kapoor and Amrita Chattopadhyay. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The Kolkata leg of the movie was filmed for 11 days across Howrah Bridge, Bara Bazaar, Kumartuli, Southern Avenue, Kalighat, Ahiritola, and at Loreto Convent and St Mary's School in Entally where Mother Teresa herself once taught. "I was told that filming in India would be chaotic and that we might get only a fraction of what we need. But that was not the case at all. We actually received more support than expected. Kolkata welcomed us with open arms. I already have other stories I would love to shoot here. The city surprised me, moved me, and inspired me," the director said. Bagi recalled how a key scene was shot in Nov 2024 in Mazdoor Pada, a slum in Kolkata. "Just a month later, the entire area was destroyed in a fire. That moment we captured has now become something more than a scene—it is a memory of a place that no longer exists. The film unintentionally became a witness. It preserves something that would otherwise be lost. That is what gives it lasting meaning," Bagi said. Sur debunked the myth about shooting in Kolkata being difficult. "Kolkata is friendly for shooting international cinema. Swarup Biswas of the Federation came down to our sets at Loreto Convent Entally to extend all support. Our Belgian DOP, Virginie Saint Martin, was initially anxious. The working style, the names and roles of crew members, even the gear protocols felt unfamiliar. But after the shoot, she said she'd love to take them back with her for future projects and gifted everyone in her unit a T-shirt that read Merci Beaucoup meaning thanks. A special mention to assistant cinematographer Kenneth Cyrus who held it all together. The support from the chief minister's office, the cops, and the city itself made it all possible. This moment belongs to Kolkata as much as it does to the film," Sur said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Film on Mother Teresa goes to Venice international film festival
1 2 Kolkata: A feature film on Mother Teresa, which follows seven consecutive days at a pivotal moment in her life when she decides to leave the Loreto Convent Entally in Kolkata and launch the Missionaries of Charity, has been selected as the opening film of the Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. "Mother", directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska and co-produced by a Kolkata-based company helmed by SRFTI's Shaunak Sur and Prateek Bagi, is competing with 18 films in the Orizzonti programme. The unit has thanked the chief minister for providing support for making Kolkata a shooting-friendly destination for international cinema. The last Kolkata film that went to Venice was "Once Upon A Time in Calcutta" in 2021. Set in 1948, "Mother" follows a devout Catholic nun driven by her passion to aid the vulnerable. To pursue her calling, she awaits a response from the Vatican, seeking release from her duties as Mother Superior. But tension mounts when she discovers that the successor she chooses harbours a secret. Like Mother Teresa, the film's director was born in Skopje in North Macedonia. In 2010-2011, she first came to Kolkata after being commissioned a documentary by a European television company. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The documentary never happened but the director returned last year to shoot a feature film with Swedish actor Noomi Rapace playing the lead. Others in the cast include Sylvia Hoeks, Nikola Ristanovski, Akshay Kapoor and Amrita Chattopadhyay. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The Kolkata leg of the movie was filmed for 11 days across Howrah Bridge, Bara Bazaar, Kumartuli, Southern Avenue, Kalighat, Ahiritola, and at Loreto Convent and St Mary's School in Entally where Mother Teresa herself once taught. "I was told that filming in India would be chaotic and that we might get only a fraction of what we need. But that was not the case at all. We actually received more support than expected. Kolkata welcomed us with open arms. I already have other stories I would love to shoot here. The city surprised me, moved me, and inspired me," the director said. Bagi recalled how a key scene was shot in Nov 2024 in Mazdoor Pada, a slum in Kolkata. "Just a month later, the entire area was destroyed in a fire. That moment we captured has now become something more than a scene—it is a memory of a place that no longer exists. The film unintentionally became a witness. It preserves something that would otherwise be lost. That is what gives it lasting meaning," Bagi said. Sur debunked the myth about shooting in Kolkata being difficult. "Kolkata is friendly for shooting international cinema. Swarup Biswas of the Federation came down to our sets at Loreto Convent Entally to extend all support. Our Belgian DOP, Virginie Saint Martin, was initially anxious. The working style, the names and roles of crew members, even the gear protocols felt unfamiliar. But after the shoot, she said she'd love to take them back with her for future projects and gifted everyone in her unit a T-shirt that read Merci Beaucoup meaning thanks. A special mention to assistant cinematographer Kenneth Cyrus who held it all together. The support from the chief minister's office, the cops, and the city itself made it all possible. This moment belongs to Kolkata as much as it does to the film," Sur said. Kolkata: A feature film on Mother Teresa, which follows seven consecutive days at a pivotal moment in her life when she decides to leave the Loreto Convent Entally in Kolkata and launch the Missionaries of Charity, has been selected as the opening film of the Orizzonti programme at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. "Mother", directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska and co-produced by a Kolkata-based company helmed by SRFTI's Shaunak Sur and Prateek Bagi, is competing with 18 films in the Orizzonti programme. The unit has thanked the chief minister for providing support for making Kolkata a shooting-friendly destination for international cinema. The last Kolkata film that went to Venice was "Once Upon A Time in Calcutta" in 2021. Set in 1948, "Mother" follows a devout Catholic nun driven by her passion to aid the vulnerable. To pursue her calling, she awaits a response from the Vatican, seeking release from her duties as Mother Superior. But tension mounts when she discovers that the successor she chooses harbours a secret. Like Mother Teresa, the film's director was born in Skopje in North Macedonia. In 2010-2011, she first came to Kolkata after being commissioned a documentary by a European television company. The documentary never happened but the director returned last year to shoot a feature film with Swedish actor Noomi Rapace playing the lead. Others in the cast include Sylvia Hoeks, Nikola Ristanovski, Akshay Kapoor and Amrita Chattopadhyay. The Kolkata leg of the movie was filmed for 11 days across Howrah Bridge, Bara Bazaar, Kumartuli, Southern Avenue, Kalighat, Ahiritola, and at Loreto Convent and St Mary's School in Entally where Mother Teresa herself once taught. "I was told that filming in India would be chaotic and that we might get only a fraction of what we need. But that was not the case at all. We actually received more support than expected. Kolkata welcomed us with open arms. I already have other stories I would love to shoot here. The city surprised me, moved me, and inspired me," the director said. Bagi recalled how a key scene was shot in Nov 2024 in Mazdoor Pada, a slum in Kolkata. "Just a month later, the entire area was destroyed in a fire. That moment we captured has now become something more than a scene—it is a memory of a place that no longer exists. The film unintentionally became a witness. It preserves something that would otherwise be lost. That is what gives it lasting meaning," Bagi said. Sur debunked the myth about shooting in Kolkata being difficult. "Kolkata is friendly for shooting international cinema. Swarup Biswas of the Federation came down to our sets at Loreto Convent Entally to extend all support. Our Belgian DOP, Virginie Saint Martin, was initially anxious. The working style, the names and roles of crew members, even the gear protocols felt unfamiliar. But after the shoot, she said she'd love to take them back with her for future projects and gifted everyone in her unit a T-shirt that read Merci Beaucoup meaning thanks. A special mention to assistant cinematographer Kenneth Cyrus who held it all together. The support from the chief minister's office, the cops, and the city itself made it all possible. This moment belongs to Kolkata as much as it does to the film," Sur said.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Anurag Kashyap to present India's Venice Film Festival Selection ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees'
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has come on board as a presenter for the feature directorial debut of Anuparna Roy's Songs of Forgotten Trees. The movie will premiere at the prestigious 82nd Venice Film Festival. The human drama is the only Indian film to be selected in the esteemed Orizzonti section, a launchpad for innovative storytelling that has previously honoured films like Chaitanya Tamhane's Court and Karan Tejpal's Stolen, which recently dropped on Prime Video. Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, Songs of Forgotten Trees is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi and Ranjan Singh and follows the story of two women and how their lives get intertwined in Mumbai. According to the official synopsis, the film follows the story of Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress, who survives the city by leveraging beauty and wit, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. When she sublets her sugar daddy's upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant working in a corporate job, the two women—seemingly from different worlds— begin to share more than just a space. Amid the relentless pulse of Mumbai, they discover a silent empathy. But as personal histories, desires, and wounds resurface, their delicate connection is tested. What follows is not a rupture, but a strange and tender unfolding—of selfhood, of survival, of unexpected kinship. 'I have always believed in backing new talent, especially those who want to say something different, challenge the set norms by their ideas and beliefs,' Kashyap said in a statement about why he decided to present the feature. 'Ranjan and I have been associated with multiple such films over the years, and it's amazing to see such raw talent continuously coming up. Anuparna is definitely one such voice and we feel proud and happy to back her first feature,' said Kashyap, whose own feature film Bandar, starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, will have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Director Anuparna Roy, who initially self-funded Songs of Forgotten Trees while juggling three corporate jobs in Mumbai, said she is drawn to stories that the mainstream 'continues to ignore.' ALSO READ:Anurag Kashyap slams Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos over 'Sacred Games' remarks 'Despite having one of the largest film industries in the world by volume, we rarely tell stories of the marginalized—of those excluded by class, caste, and gender. I want to change that. I want to speak of the miseries I've witnessed and lived through, not just as an Indian but as a global citizen. I believe that telling these stories might give voice to the unheard, offer solace to some, and perhaps even inspire others. 'My search for this story began with the search for my childhood friend, Jhuma Nath, whose child marriage was carried out under a man-made social order and a failed government scheme. This film carries her memories,' she added. Ranjan Singh of Flip Films called Anuparna a 'unique voice,' which compelled him to back the feature. 'I had seen her short (Run to the River) and I remembered one line pitch to me at a film pitch event, and that stayed with me for the longest time.' Songs of Forgotten Trees is co-produced by Navin Shetty and Anuparna Roy.
