Showing posts with label MAMI 2017. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAMI 2017. Show all posts
The MAMI Report Card | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017 Round Up
The festival of lights is already here, but one of the most important festival in a cinephile’s life has come to an end. The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2017 will draw its curtains tonight with the closing film - Omerta, starring Rajkummar Rao. The week long festival gave us some wonderful cinematic experiences and memories, that shall stay with us for long. With 220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages spread across 5 venues, it was nothing less than a cinematic visual treat.
Day 1: The day started with Annemarie Jacir’s Palestinian film - Wajib. It had a simple storyline, that of a father and his estranged son hand delivering the wedding invitation of his daughter. The film gave us an insight into the relationship between the father and son. It also focused on the aspect of a Palestinian living in Italy and a Palestinian living at home. Played by real father-son duo Mohammad and Saleh Bakri, the story explores different facets about how it is different to be an Arab in Nazareth. Up next was Ana Asensio’s ‘Most Beautiful Island’ a tale of an illegal female immigrant who is trying to make a living in New York, but ends up in a dangerous game, all for the sake of money. Director, writer and actor Asensio surely lured the audiences with her effective opening and gripping story, which makes strong comments about the life of an illegal immigrant in New York city. She surely envisioned the film in its cruel reality.
Day 2: We kickstarted the day with a much awaited screening from the Discovering India section titled - What Will People Say? Directed by Iran Haq, the film stars some powerful Indian actors including Adil Hussain, Sheeba Chaddha, Rohit Saraf among others. This Norwegian coming-of-age drama film explores the life of a 16-year-old Norwegian teenager; a carefree girl outside with her friends, but at home, she adheres to her Parents and their culture. When caught red handed with a boy in her room, she is sent to Pakistan, where she is grounded and forced to follow and accept the norms and culture. It is indeed an impactful film with a stellar cast. While the day began with Discovering India, it ended with one of the most talked about films in the India Gold section - Ajji (Granny), directed by Devashish Makhija. This thriller leaves you numb and uncomfortable, especially around the climax. The film does not have a background score. So, one can actually hear the audience gasping and reacting to the proceedings in the auditorium. The silence of the horrendous crime is deafening, but Ajji is powerful and fearless.
Day 3: First on our list was ‘I am Not a Witch’ – a film by Zambian born Welsh director Rungano Nyoni. The plot follows a nine year old girl Shula, who is identified by the local community as a witch and is forcefully sent to a witch camp. At the camp, one can witness how all the witches are treated. They are tied with a ribbon, so that they don’t fly away. The film depicts the corruption and vague display of witches as attraction for humans.
Day 4: All Darren Aronofsky fans in the house got together for an early morning show of the American psychological thriller - Mother! (the title includes an exclamation mark). Right from the opening scene to the climax, Mother! is spine chillingly disturbing and stands true to Aronofsky's style of film making. Jennifer Lawrence kept the audience at the edge of the seat with her terrific performance.
After experiencing seven days of pure cinematic bliss, it's time to get back to the humdrum. But, not without saying - Adios, MAMI! See you next year with many more captivating films.
Did you watch any movie at the 19th Mumbai Film Festival, 2017? Share your experience by commenting below or join the conversation at
The Ultimate Must Watch List - Part II | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017
220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages. The festival has begun and we are back at doing what we do best - bringing you tons of updates and reports from the ongoing 19th Mumbai Film Festival. The list of best films can be endless. Still, we thought of working on a two part series that will give you a round up of some super interesting films at the festival this year. So, go register and grab your seats to witness the magic of world cinema unfurl! Here's our second part in the ultimate must watch list. Create your lists, everybody!
Loveless (Nelyubov)
A couple going through a divorce team up to find their son, who has disappeared during one of their bitter arguments.
Directed by: Andrei Zvyagintsev
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Zvyagintsev’s Loveless has earned critical acclaim. The film was awarded Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was also the Russian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. This Russian drama definitely looks poignant.
Mother
A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. The film is a riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Darren Aronofsky’s Mother is the much talked about film this year, thanks to its stellar cast and a thrilling plot. Aronofsky is known for his surreal, disturbing films. So, we are sure this one too won’t disappoint us.
Manifesto
Acclaimed visual artist Julian Rosefeldt brings us Manifesto, which features two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett in 13 distinct, must-see vignettes, that incorporate timeless manifestos from 20th century art movements. From anchorwoman to homeless man, Pop Art to Dogma 95; Blanchett's performance pays homage to the moving tradition of artist manifestos.
Directed by: Julian Rosefeldt
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - A powerful actress. 13 distinct characters. One film! Well, that's the best thing ever. We surely feel this one deserves a place in this list.
I am not a Witch
Welsh-Zambian director Rungano Nyoni's first feature tells a story of eight-year-old Shula, who is accused of witchcraft. Officials take advantage. send her to state custody and later, exile her to a witch camp.
Directed by: Rungano Nyoni
Section: International Competition
#DancebeeApproved - Nyoni's first feature film looks promising, and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year under 'Director's Fortnight'. The director participated in the Cannes’ Cine Fondation Residency as a major talent in 2013.
Ajji
This year, the India Gold section has a great lineup of films. However, for us, one of them stands out from the rest, and that is film maker Devashish Makhija’s - Ajji. This revengeful thriller has a 65 yr old grandmother as the central character, who decides to take revenge against the rapist of her nine-year-old grand daughter - Manda.
Directed by: Devashish Makhija
Section: India Gold
#DancebeeApproved - The trailer is gripping and dark spiking the curiosity and interest to not miss this film for anything. Ajji premiered at the Busan International Film Festival last month and if the trailer is anything to go by, this one will definitely leave you awestruck.
What Will People Say?
Nisha (16) lives a double life. At home, she is the perfect Pakistani girl with a family life. When out with her friends, she is a normal Norwegian teenager. Things take a wrong turn and Nisha lands in Pakistan, where she is forced to adapt her parents' culture.
Directed by: Iram Haq
Section: Discovering India
The Ultimate Must Watch List - Part I | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017
It’s back! The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2017 is almost here and right now, every cinephile is busy chalking their respective schedules to ensure that they don’t miss any of the best films that will be screened this year. The euphoria to book the films a day in advance, the crazy excitement to shuffle screens and the fascinating conversations in the queue outside the auditorium makes this festival one of the most important event in a cinephile’s calendar.
220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages and only 4 films a day. Needless to say, there is a lot of planning required or else, it just gets crazy during the festival. So, in order to make your life a tad bit easy, we have listed some of the films, which you can watch out for. Take out your diaries and jot down the list already!
220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages and only 4 films a day. Needless to say, there is a lot of planning required or else, it just gets crazy during the festival. So, in order to make your life a tad bit easy, we have listed some of the films, which you can watch out for. Take out your diaries and jot down the list already!
The Square
Christian, the curator of a contemporary art museum, hires a public relations team to build some buzz for his renowned Swedish museum. The team creates an unexpected campaign, and the response sends Christian as well as the museum into an existential crisis.
Directed by: Ruben Östlund
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Palms D’or winner at Cannes this year, The Square a Swedish satirical drama has a thought provoking storyline and will be an interesting watch.
24 Frames
It marks the final film of late Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, whose inspiration to make this experimental film was all about his curiosity to know about four and half minutes of what he imagined might have taken place before or after each image that he had captured.
Directed by: Abbas Kiarostami
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Kiarostami took 24 still images and used digital technology to expand each one of them into a flowing, live-action tableau. This sole thought makes the film inquisitive and thus, a must watch!
City of Ghosts
This documentary by Academy Award nominated and Emmy winner filmmaker Matthew Heineman looks promising and intense as the synopsis definitely gives a grave picture of a group of brave citizen journalists as they face the realities of life undercover, on the run, and in exile, risking their lives to stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today ISIS.
Directed by: Matthew Heineman
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - The film premiered at the Sundance Festival earlier this year, and was acquired by Amazon. With rave reviews and incredible buzz, City of Ghosts makes for a must watch.
Devil's Freedom (La Libertad Del Diablo)
Mexican director Everardo González’s documentary - Devil’s Freedom, explores how fear and uncertainty have penetrated every level of Mexican society asking what meaning is to be found in this violence and the profound fear it engenders.
Directed by - Everardo Gonźalez
Section - World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - This mexican psychological documentary portrays personal stories giving an insight into the deepest fears and the most obscure traits of the human psyche. This will surely be an eye opener.
Stay tuned for Part II, where we discuss more interesting films!
Have you created a 'must watch' list for MAMI?Share your favourites! Join the conversation atTwitter | Facebook | Snapchat | Instagram | YouTube
24 Frames
It marks the final film of late Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, whose inspiration to make this experimental film was all about his curiosity to know about four and half minutes of what he imagined might have taken place before or after each image that he had captured.
Directed by: Abbas Kiarostami
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Kiarostami took 24 still images and used digital technology to expand each one of them into a flowing, live-action tableau. This sole thought makes the film inquisitive and thus, a must watch!
City of Ghosts
This documentary by Academy Award nominated and Emmy winner filmmaker Matthew Heineman looks promising and intense as the synopsis definitely gives a grave picture of a group of brave citizen journalists as they face the realities of life undercover, on the run, and in exile, risking their lives to stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today ISIS.
Directed by: Matthew Heineman
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - The film premiered at the Sundance Festival earlier this year, and was acquired by Amazon. With rave reviews and incredible buzz, City of Ghosts makes for a must watch.
Devil's Freedom (La Libertad Del Diablo)
Mexican director Everardo González’s documentary - Devil’s Freedom, explores how fear and uncertainty have penetrated every level of Mexican society asking what meaning is to be found in this violence and the profound fear it engenders.
Directed by - Everardo Gonźalez
Section - World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - This mexican psychological documentary portrays personal stories giving an insight into the deepest fears and the most obscure traits of the human psyche. This will surely be an eye opener.
Stay tuned for Part II, where we discuss more interesting films!
Have you created a 'must watch' list for MAMI?Share your favourites! Join the conversation atTwitter | Facebook | Snapchat | Instagram | YouTube
