Thursday, May 2, 2019

Indie Meme Film Festival 2019 - Building Cross Cultural understanding through Cinema and Championing the Creative work of independent South Asian Filmmakers.



 Austin, is a cultural hub of food, film and arts, hosting SXSW, film festivals, book festivals, foodie paloozas, and more each year. Indie Meme film festival, does its small part in bringing in socially relevant South Asian independent cinema to Austin audiences.  A step towards creating cross-cultural understanding and awareness; encouraging and facilitating dialogue and building a globally conscious community!





The Indie meme festival in its 4th year brought in this year, over 20 films from 7 countries in 9 languages with 5 International Filmmakers in attendance- The festival started with a soft launch on Sunday April 14 with a showing of some short films made by students in the Austin community, encouraging youth involvement, followed by a long-short film directed by Mohd Gani- Gubbare , and Priya Ramasubban’s inspirational movie- Chuskit. The official festival April 26th-28th started off Friday with its opening feature The Last Color by Michelin Star Chef turned filmmaker Vikas Khanna in attendance.


The event was sponsored by couple of Austin companies, one being Charles Maund Toyota-  Having a belief that involvement with South Asian community is imperative because of South Asians brand loyalty towards Toyotas, they took this opportunity to give back to the community.  I had the pleasure of seeing many of these films this weekend with Charles Maund Toyota.

Film Makers @ IMFF19 

The extraordinary part about the film festival was the interactions with the film makers. Their inspiration and the motives broadened understanding of the film. Questions, observations and dialog between the maker and the audience gave an extra dimension and depth of perspective to each film. 
Here are a few of the movies I checked out with my take and understanding and appreciation of each.





THE LAST COLOR (India/ Fiction/ Drama /1hr 30min /Hindi)

Review:
What attracted me to the movie was the intrigue of how a celebrity chef with a Michelin star, a highest standard in food creation fare in film making! Vikas Khanna is interestingly a simple man with a passion and works with his heart hence achieves success in all his endeavors.

The movie The Last Color is based on a book published earlier by the film maker. Last Color is a  story of three people on the fringe of society, who are marginalized, ostracized, and looked down upon by society, religious clerics, and unfortunately even by the government and judicial system of the country. The heartwarming narrative shows  the lives of an old widow living life of colorlessness and abstinence; a rejected and mistreated Hijra- Eunuch; and a street dwelling low caste untouchable orphan; giving  rays of hope, breaking taboos and showing a victory of human spirit.  

Excellently written, directed, acted and executed, the story sensitizes us to the harsh realities which prevailed and still exist in India which need to be questioned and stopped.

The naivety and natural talent of the orphan Chothi (Aqsa Siddiqui ) and Neena Gupta’s depth of acting experience with elevated performance as the widow Noor are the highlight of the movie.  Vikas Khanna’s  debut filmmaking is surprisingly excellent, bringing out the hostile truths balanced with innocence and spirited energy and color! Some of the scenes are well directed and choreographed
 especially the scene with Choti on tight rope across buildings  while Noor wrapped in white is passing under.
The movie was beautiful and sad, disturbing yet thought provoking and poignant. I give it  4.5 (****.5 /5) stars and recommend a watch.  



In the Q &A with filmmaker Vikas Khanna in attendance- he opened up his life and talked indepth  about how he got inspired to write the story, about the motivation behind the couple of characters,  the incidents of his own life which got adopted in the story,  his trips to Varanasi or his rides on the river Ganges which gave him food for thought!. 


When comparing the mis-en-place of cooking to the prep of film making he said he found it similar to orchestrate. On asking the actress Neena Gupta on skype about her experience working with a debut filmmaker, she felt it easy to work with Khanna because his fervor for the cause gave him clarity and vision for the movie.

We look forward to more such though provoking movies from chef Vikas Khanna.




Saturday Morning started off with an Indian short film followed by a documentary from Pakistan:

INDIAN CIRCUS (India/Short film/ 22min 15sec /Hindi)
A circus facing extinction due to competition with new modern forms of entertainment tries its luck with a new act.


INDUS BLUES (Pakistan/ Documentary/1hr 16min / Urdu)


Review:
Indus blues is a movie about the exploration of music traditions, the disappearance of the folk musical treasures and the fading art of music. Film Maker Jawad Sharif got triggered to make this movie after seeing a video clip where people in a remote southern town of Pakistan were burning musical instruments. He felt he had to talk about the dying heritage of music and declining craftsmanship of musical instruments in Pakistan before it disappeared.

In this documentary he travels across the large landscape of Pakistan from Northern Mountains to southern coastline, talking to artists, musicians and  craftsmen of musical instruments.  He captures the raw feeling of the Pakistani folk artists talking  about their struggle to keep a fading art form alive while reminding the world what they are about to lose at the hands of the fundamentalist Taliban and their own lack of governmental support.



Spreading the word to keep the musical culture alive, Filmmaker Jawad Sharif showcases the dying instruments like the Boreenda, Alghoza, Murli Meen, and  Raanti a unique Instrument which is strung together by horse hair.  He walks you in to the life’s of a dying Saroz artist and the dying instrument; narrates how the last Sarinda  player of Pakistan has a son who has moved on to playing western musical instruments like saxophone; The Sarangi player who narrates the art is dying since it takes 12 years to master playing this instrument and people are not inclined to learn this art when it’s not appreciated and lucrative. The film maker also focuses on folk artists and singers like talented Mai Dhai of Sindh who has even visited Austin for SXSW.   The highlight of the movie was the melodious music played on these unique musical instruments.


The narratives of the musicians are sad with a lot of  questions- “why  artists are a free soul in the rest of the world, but curbed by social norms of society in Pakistan?”   “Why are the extremists  burning our  musical instruments  which are made from gods beautiful nature though  music like god is invisible but has a presence?”.  The director’s story telling style of direction made this documentary a beautiful and heart-rending watch. I recommend it to anyone who cares about music.( Rating: ****/5)


In the Q&A on skype Jawad Sharif narrated the many trials and tribulations  he had to go through to make this film even his own family discouraging the process. The film maker encouraged the audience to connect with the artists and craftsman to buy their instruments or to support the artists in other ways through the website. https://indusbluesfilm.com/take-action/

The afternoon featured:
YASMINA (US/Short film /6min 41sec /English & Farsi)
A surprise encounter leads a daydreaming, young, line cook to discover that perhaps her heart’s desire may be found in the unlikeliest of places.

HALF WIDOW (India/ Fiction/Drama/ 1hr 31 min/ Kashmiri & Urdu)


Review:

The story set in the backdrop of the Kashmiri conflict is about the tragic life of half widows who are living in a state of limbo and suffering after the disappearance of the husbands, who were captured by armed forces for unknown reasons.

[In 1990, the Indian government established the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act which allows the Army to take over the running of the state and, until recently, allowed the Army complete immunity to carry on whatever operations it pleased, often at the cost of constitutional freedoms and rights. It was common to have curfews implemented by the Army, during which people of the Kashmir valley were randomly searched, asked to provide identification and, just as randomly, arrested on “suspected” anti-social affiliations. These arrests were often unofficial, and the arrested men often “disappeared” with no trace, often for good, leaving their wives and families behind. “Half widow” is the name given to the wives of the men who disappeared and remain missing through the years of conflict.]

Danish Renzu; the film maker felt there were too many half widows suffering in this  state of unknown waiting….. And wanted to create a story of life after the loss, a life of healing.

The Story narrates the life of Nilofer (Neela) who had a blissful simple life, happily married to an artisan businessman Khalid with a baby on the way when tragedy strikes and her husband is take away. Constantly searching, inquiring prisons, police stations, getting involved in support groups and rallies and activism, Neela  almost gives up one life, when she finds nothing working.

But finally over the years Neela embarks on her journey of self-discovery, her ability to live a fuller life instead of feeling half.   Finding herself, a meaning to her life, and finally having the ability to tell her story and his story.
(Rating:***.5/5)



In conversation with the film maker in attendance- Danish Renzu, of  Kashmiri origin- he felt  he was doing a small part to help these women in their state of suffering by encouraging a path of healing with Neela’s story.  And empowering women about the next step. Glad to see such humanitarian efforts like these by filmmakers to help communicate the suffering and troubles and help bring change.

 LAYOVER (US/ Short Film/9min/English)
While on a business trip to London, Meera has a layover at LAX and agrees to meet with Vik. During the few precious hours that they have together, they decide to recreate an early date, reminding them of what drew them together in the first place and what ultimately broke them apart.
THE LAST LETTER (India/UK/Short Film /15 min 30 sec/Hindi)
Mohan was living a secret all his life, rife with inner conflict, but he starts to see things differently, after revisiting the reality from which he escaped years ago.

YOURS TRULY (India/Fiction/Romantic Drama/1hr 39 min/English & Hindi) US PREMIERE
Amidst the daily din of the local trains in Calcutta, a lonely working woman in her late fifties finds herself falling in love with the voice of the railway announcer.
Skype QA with filmmaker Sanjoy Nag

I caught up Sunday Movie from later afternoon with
THE BUBBLEMAN (US/Short Documentary/ 9min 3sec/ English)
A day in the life of a veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan as an electrician and now impacts students’ lives by blowing bubbles in the Texas State campus.

FADE (Iran/Short film/3min/Silent)
Seen through the eyes of a young boy, Fade is a walk down memory lane of life before the war.

JIRGA (Afghanistan/Australia /Fiction/Drama//1hr18 min / English & Pashto)


Review:

Jirga also a definition of an Afghani tribal council, is a movie about how a former Australian special forces soldier feels haunted and is repentant of the tragic accidental killing of a civilian in his hands and returns to Afghanistan to make amends and seek forgiveness of his actions.
In war many a soldier of both sides are killed but the guilt of killing an innocent leads many a mortal to drink, drugs, depression and even suicide. But the filmmaker’s portrayal of the soldier seeking forgiveness and redemption of his guilt from the family he destroyed may be one step closer to realization in many for the need of this for humanity to exist and bring more peace than war!

The soldier Mike (Sam Smith), unfamiliar with the local language yet persuades himself to get a passage to Kandahar through the touristy and scenically spectacular Bamyan. Rest of the movie is the arduous journey Mike takes through rugged mountains, including a capture by a Taliban group and living on the mercy of locals.

Mike’s captors surprisingly aid him upon knowing he has come in repentance and is seeking forgiveness from the bereaving family. They also advise him that his western materialistic reflection and intention of compensating the family with money will be seen negatively and upset the pride of the Afghani people. 

The movie concludes with the council-Jirga sitting together to decide his fate when  he puts his life in the hands of the village justice system. After deliberations the heavy burden of decision is put on the young son of the dead victim who is told to make the decision of revenge or forgive.
Overall the movie gives a true glimpse of war torn Afghanistan and the effect it has both on the people living and the uninvited guests and warriors who justified their horrible actions through their own lenses and then when the lens were removed, fell into despair.
The actor SamSmith does an excellent job in expressing the agony of soldier troubled with his actions while the Afghani support team does a great job of showing life of Afghani during the times of war. Brilliant movie by the filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour and huge applause for his efforts to bring about the faces and layers of war many never ponder about and show the sad price of war.
(Rating:  ****.5 /5 )




In conversation with the filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour we get to know the inspiration and motivation behind the movie. He said that with Jirga he wanted to counter the Islamic terrorist stereotypes and modern military propaganda we face in the West, demonstrating the true human cost of conflict.

He said civilians trying to survive in their ravaged lands are not the only ones who believe that war is unjust. Many damaged and disillusioned soldiers have also come to share that view.  And the motives for Mike’s return to Afganistan seeking forgiveness were inspired by the lingering sense of responsibility experienced by army veterans, from conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq and Timor-Leste.

He also mentions the difficulties, hindrances and many hoops he jumped through to make this movie including a rejection by Pakistani government to make the movie in the border towns close to Kandahar. But he persevered and was able to shoot it in Afghanistan itself.

On being asked about the absence of subtitles for few scenes he said, he wanted the audience to be in the same predisposition as Mike who was unfamiliar with the language yet despite the language barrier bonded with the old taxi driver over food and music; or the discomfort he felt when he was unaware of the conversations of his captors and their intentions.

Gilmour also hoped Jirga is seen as a film that doesn't attempt to neatly divide the good from the bad, but instead offers an insight into the character and motives of those we view as the enemy and the struggles of Afghans and the mercy found in their faith and traditions.

  


The closing film was
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
KAAMYAAB (India/Fiction/Comedy-Drama/1hr 53min/Hindi)


 Review:
Hardik Mehta’s KAMYAAB was a tribute to all those side actors, character actors, and forgotten stars of Bollywood. It’s a story about a small time actor Sudheer, who has done many a tiny role in about 499 movies but had no track of all his roles till he gets reminded of it with his IMDB page.  Following which it triggers his desire to get cast in one more substantial role and memorialize his life as an actor.
His search for a role and journey through many a casting process makes him feel inadequate, that he even forgets to appreciate the things and people which made him happy.  Finally he stands up to become a role model to the people who love and appreciate him. 

The movie was excellently directed and executed by Hardik Mehta making us feel emotional for this underdog, forgotten actors.  The actor Sanjay Mishra  and  the other side actors who were so appropriately casted  gave outstanding performances making it kamyaab! (Rating ****.5/5)


In conversation with Hardik Mehta and the lead actor Sanjay Mishra who has played many a clichéd side actor roles earlier- when asked about how reflective was this role to his own career and if parts of the script were real in anyway, he said the question answered itself since it was true in many ways to him and many actors like him in the Bollywood industry.
Hardik Mehta was hopeful that times were changing in  Bollywood and India, where  previously only the lead actors and actresses were glorified and idolized, unlike the western film industry  where  all actors are  respected and celebrated.
On a question of what you consider as success posed to the actor and film maker they said success is not a mark or achievement but the happiness in what you have done with your life and people you love.


Incidentally, following up on the success question I felt the need to reiterate and echo to both film maker Hardik Mehta and especially Actor Sanjay Mishra that if success were to be measured in achievements, he as an actor has reached that ‘KAMYAABI’ or ‘Success’ by encapsulating the role of the forgotten star and memorializing it;  and to the film maker for making such a brilliant and  heartwarming debut  feature film. So everyone came out ‘Kamyaab’ in the end.



Wishing the film maker more such kaamyabi….
End of Sunday night, the festival wrapped up with the awards ceremony where more congratulations were given to the movie-Kamyaab for winning the Audience choice award for the Indie Meme Film Festival 2019 .








 



 Congratulations team Indiememe for a successful Indie Meme film festival 2019, till we meet again.....





Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Chuskit - Living with Disabilities Doesn’t Have To Mean Compromising to Limitations




Cast :Chuskit-Jigmet Dewa Lhamo; Dorje (Grandfather)-Morup Namgyal (Padma Shri);Tsering (Mother)Yanchen Dolma;Stobdan (Brother)-Padma Chospel;Sonam (Father)-SS Wangchuk; Norbu (Neighbour)-Tsetan Angchok; Angmo (Chuskit's friend);Stanzin Ngidon;Deskit -Chuskit's friend)Yanchen Dolma; Ahmad (Doctor)-Satyadeep Misra
Written and Directed by Priya Ramasubban
Produced by Priya Ramasubban
Director of Photography:Arvind Kannabiran
Production Design: Aradhana Seth
Costume Design: Deepali Kosta Kabi
Editor: Jabeen Merchant
Background Score: Mathias Duplessy
Sound Design:Satheesh PM

Chuskit is a heartwarming story of a young girl who with her feisty determination, along with the help of her family and community, breaks through the limitations imposed for people with disabilities.

Chuskit, who lives an idyllic life in this mountainous region of Ladakh, India, has a simple dream - of going to school with her friends, following in the footsteps of her older brother who is an exemplary student. But when an accident turns her into a paraplegic her dreams are cut short and she is confined at home.

Besides her  frustrations with her physical impediments, Chuskit also faces the strict old world rules of  her grandfather who believes in compromising to constraints and limitations, and restraining one’s dreams and aspirations.

But lucky for Chuskit, her inventive brother, her ever understanding parents, and her concerned therapist doctor, keep her spirits and hopes alive.  She keeps fighting the restrained reality her grandfather wants her to accept, and continues to dream that an almost normal life in-spite of her disabilities will be possible one day.

The story provides an exhilarating and inspiring narrative. With the heartrending and the  happy twists and turns of Chuskit's life and how  she eventually makes it to school  with the help of her family, community and the whole village,

The excellence of this  touching movie is enhanced by stellar debutante performance of  Jigmet Dewa Lhamo  as Chuskit, and other actors like Morup Namgyal playing the grand father, and Padma Chospel playing the brother. The photography and cinematography  deserve applause for capturing  the beauty of idyllic Ladakh in the story.

Lastly, the Filmmaker Priya Ramasubban’s efforts inspire and create impact while bringing in  the discussion of disabilities to mainstream attention in India. The film is inspired by heartwarming real-life events witnessed by Priya’s sister – Vidya, who worked with the differently-abled in Ladakh, and was instrumental in sending Sonam, a nine-year-old with cerebral palsy to school despite the arduous terrain in her remote Himalayan village. The film is based on the book written by  Vidhya’s friend, Sujatha Padmanabhan — Chuskit Goes To School (2011).



In Conversation with the film maker Priya Ramsubban  on Skype after the movie - When asked about - How life with disabilities is not easy in India. She gives a very encouraging answer, saying : “Accessibility and systems work well in the West, but in India and other Asian countries,  people and communities make things work even where systems may not exist!” . 


Hopefully movies like these motivate and influence the mindfulness of people in South Asian countries to empathize with the needs of disabilities and their desire for normal independent lives. And work to create better accessibility infrastructure which is very lacking compared to the western world and change the psyche and outlook towards people with disabilities.

The Indiememe Film festival of 2019 had a soft opening on Sunday April 14 with a showing of some short films made by students in the Austin community , a long short film directed by Mohd Gani- Gubbare , followed by  Priya Ramasubban’s inspirational movie- Chuskit.









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