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Trees chopped off in Bengaluru’s forest land for the shooting of Yash’s Toxic! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

In the latest development surrounding the much-anticipated film Toxic starring ‘Rocking Star’ Yash, several trees have been chopped off in Bengaluru’s 599-acre forest land in the Peenya-Jallahali area to make way for the set of the movie, which is currently amid filming. For the unversed, this forest land is under the possession of the Psu Hindustan Machine Tools. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, on Tuesday (October 29), directed his top officials to take legal action against those who have permitted the axing of the trees for the movie’s shooting.

The forest minister has also asked these officials to file forest offense cases against people who have cleared the trees. According to a news report in The Times of India, the minister discovered extensive destruction of trees and vegetation on the forest land,...

The photos of Kgf Chapter 1 and 2 fame Yash, also known as Rocky Bhai, purchasing candy for his daughter from a roadside shop, have gone viral on social media. His fans and people are appreciating the simplicity of the super star and showering praise on him for not being carried away by stardom and remaining grounded.

Yash, who is busy with the pre-production work of his next pan-India venture ‘Toxic’, visited the famous Chitrapur Mutt in Shirali near Bhatkal of Uttara Kannada district with his wife, popular actress Radhika Pandit, and daughter Ayra.

The photos depict superstar Yash making a purchase of toffee in front of a small shop. His actress wife, Radhika Pandit, is seen sitting on an ordinary bench beside the shop and watching her superstar husband.

The news of Yash’s visit to the mutt spread like wildfire, and his fans gathered in the premises of the mutt...

Thalapathy Vijay’s Goat Vs Yash’s Toxic Poster-War: Trolled For De-aging Mess, Post-Animal Side Effects, Here’s Who’s Winning… ( Photo Credit – Instagram; IMDb )

Recently, two of the biggest stars from down South released the first look poster of their films. Tollywood’s Thalapathy Vijay and Sandalwood’s Rocking Star Yash gifted their die-hard fans the posters of Goat (Greatest Of All Time) & Toxic. Though both films are polar opposites to each other, but let’s take a look at which one has been appreciated more on social media.

Directed by national award-winning director Geethu Mohandas, Yash’s Toxic has been promoted as an action-oriented thriller based on drug mafia operations in Goa. The tagline ‘fairy tale for grownups,’ added by makers, gives away that the high-octane actions are non-negotiable in what appears to be yet another mass-oriented film for the Kannada star after the historic success of ‘Kgf...

Yash 19 Is Now Called ‘Toxic’, Netizens Ask If It’s Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Biopic?(Photo Credit –Instagram)

The fans of Yash are currently on cloud nine as the actor has finally revealed the title of his upcoming film. Yash 19 is now officially titled Toxic. Along with the title reveal, Yash also gave a glimpse into the first look of his character, promising yet another larger-than-life experience to the audience.

Directed by national award-winning director Geethu Mohandas, the film is touted as an action-oriented thriller based on drug mafia operations in Goa. The makers also added that the movie is a ‘fairy tale for grownups,’ hinting that high-octane actions are non-negotiable in what appears to be yet another mass film for the Kannada star, after the historic success of ‘Kgf’ and ‘Kgf 2’.

The film is scheduled to release in theaters on April 10, 2025. If reports are to be believed, Sai Pallavi,...

Rocking Star Yash, who is currently an household name with the massive success of his much-awaited film Kgf: Chapter 2, has reportedly signed his next project with Malayalam filmmaker Geethu Mohandas. The film, which is tentatively titled #Yash19, is said to be a crime thriller set in Goa, revolving around the drug mafia that operated in the 1960s. Shooting will start at December 23.

According to sources, Yash was impressed by the unique storyline and the director’s vision, and agreed to be a part of the film. Geethu Mohandas, who is known for her critically acclaimed films like Liar’s Dice and Moothon, has already completed the script and is planning to start the pre-production soon. According to rumours, The film will be produced by Hombale Films, the same banner that backed the Kgf franchise.

Kgf Chapter 2 Song

The film will also explore the political nexus and the involvement of...

Fans of the 2000 Malayalam comedy film ThenkasiPattanam have a reason to rejoice as the lead actor Dileep and the director Rafi have confirmed that a sequel is in the works. In an interview with Cans, the duo revealed that they are planning to make Thenkasi Pattanam 2 with the same cast and crew as the original film.

ThenkasiPattanam, which was written and directed by Rafi Mecartin and produced by Lal, was a blockbuster hit that starred Suresh Gopi, Lal, Dileep, Samyuktha Varma, Geethu Mohandas, and Kavya Madhavan in the lead roles.

Cans Interview

The film was a hilarious action comedy that revolved around two friends, Kannan (Suresh Gopi) and Dasan (Lal), who are owners of a market in Thenkasi town. They become famous rowdies under the guidance of their godfather. Shatrugnan (Dileep), who later joins as the manager of their firm Kd & Co, is in love with Devootty, and what happens...

CinemaMalayalam films are known for keeping stories realistic on screen. Though not all are free from problematic stereotypes, many have poignantly questioned conventions. Here are our picks.Malayalam films are known for keeping stories realistic on screen. The same also reflects when it comes to portraying romantic love. Though not all of it is free from problematic stereotypes, there are many romances that have poignantly questioned the status quo and have been celebrated. How about the ones that took the turbulent, unconventional path to reach fruition in love? We give you our picks, this Valentine’s Day. Akbar and Ameer (Moothon) The most poignant stretch in Geethu Mohandas’s otherwise generic gangster film comes when Aamir enters the frame. As Akbar slashes his body with a knife, flagging himself as part of a ritual (Kuthu Ratheeb), Ameer, the gorgeous young man, cannot take his eyes off him. Even when Akbar...

On the basis of filmmakers like Lijo Jose Pelliserry, Salim Ahmed, Jeetu Joseph, Dileesh Pothan, Geethu Mohandas, and Rajiv Ravi, the state of Kerala (of which the official language is Malayalam) has produced by and large India’s best output over the last decade. If the premiere of his film Paka (River of Blood) is any hint, we may end up adding sound-designer-turned-filmmaker Nithin Lukose to that illustrious list. His first venture into directing and writing has plenty of the religious, historically rooted elements and intra-family discords Kerala’s cinema has often explored, especially in the rural areas of its state.

Paka begins with a superimposition explaining a generations-deep feud between two families who migrated to the region’s hinterlands. Said feud was borne from a dispute over a woman and has lasted for decades, ending up in the killing of several prominent members of either family and their disposal into the Johnson River.

AwardsThe ninth edition of the Siima Awards ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad, and will include nominations for both 2019 and 2020. Tnm Staffhttps://siima.in/The nominees for the South Indian International Movie Awards (Siima) 2019 and 2020 have been announced under various categories for all four south Indian languages— Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. The ninth edition of this award ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad. The 2020 ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic, and the awards for 2019 and 2020 will be held in September. Under the category of Best Film for 2019, Ajith and Nayanathara’s Viswasam, Mammootty’s Peranbu, Dhanush and Manju Warrier starrer Asuran, Karthi’s Kaithi and Sivakarthikeyan’s Namma Veettu Pillai are the nominees. In Telugu, Mahesh Babu’s Maharshi, Nani’s sports drama Jersey, Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni’s Majili, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and F2, which featured an ensemble cast of actors.

Premiering at Toronto International Film Festival and associating with the likes of Anurag Kashyap had given this movie the impetus it needed. But once audience got their eyes on the prize, it was reason enough be talked about and discussed.

Mulla (Sanjana Dipu) is frustrated with life in Lakshadweep with his uncle Moosa (Dileesh Pothan). His parents are no more and the only other relation is his elder brother (Moothon in malayalam) who had run away to Mumbai many years ago. One night when it gets unbearable, Mulla leaves on a fishing boat towards Mumbai. The boat capsizes and he is rescued by a ship which drops him off in Mumbai. He escapes from an orphanage and ends up with a boisterous bunch of kids led by Bhai (Nivin Pauly). As he keeps searching for his elder brother, there are things Mulla uncovers about himself and the people around him.

PoliticsUsing hashtags like #bringourteacherback and #BringBackShailajaTeacher, the celebrities questioned the Ldf for the unpopular move.Tnm StaffFacebookThe Cpi (M)’s decision to drop Kk Shailaja, a politician who was praised for her stint as Kerala’s Health Minister, from the new cabinet has come as a shock to many and has received flak on social media. The Left Democratic Front had earlier announced that 12 Cpi(M) MLAs, including Kk Shailaja, will be sworn in as part of the 21-member Cabinet on May 20. Several netizens including politicians, celebrities and citizens have expressed their criticism. Many Mollywood celebrities have taken to social media to express their concerns about the move. Kk Shailaja, it must be noted, won international praise for her handling of the Covid-19 crisis. She was also instrumental in containing the Nipah outbreak in the state. On social media, people have been using trending hashtags such as #bringourteacherback ,#BringBackShailajaTeacher to...

MollywoodIn an interview, Edavela Babu had said the survivor couldn't act in the new Amma film just like "we can't bring back those who are dead".Tnm StaffActor Parvathy tendered her resignation to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (Amma) on Monday. The award-winning actor registered her protest after Amma General Secretary Edavela Babu in an interview on Reporter TV made a remark about a female actor. In her letter posted on her social media pages, Parvathy said, "In 2018, when my friends resigned from A.M.M.A, I stayed back thinking at least a few should continue to work within a broken system and help repair it. But after watching A.M.M.A General Secretary speak to Reporter TV's Nikesh Kumar, I have abandoned all hope that anything will ever change within this association. His utterly disgusting and mortifying remark comparing a woman member who had been badly...

EntertainmentFrom Fahadh and Nazriya to Prasanna and Sneha, there are now several couples who work in the film industries and also collaborate with each other professionally. Tnm StaffWhile it's not unusual for people from the film industry to date each other and get married, it's not too common for both of them to continue to have an active career in the film industry. In most cases, it is the woman who takes the backseat while the man continues to work in the industry. However, times are changing and there are now many couples who work in the film industry. Some of the women may have taken a break but have since made a comeback and are continuing to find work. Naga Chaitanya and Samantha: Samantha is probably the first woman A-list star in the south to have married a fellow actor and continue to pursue her career without any break whatsoever.

KollywoodSobhita Dhulipala who was last seen in Geethu Mohandas's 'Moothon' and the web series 'Made in Heaven', has landed a key role in the film.Digital NativeThe shooting of Mani Ratnam’s dream project Ponniyin Selvan finally went on floors last December in Thailand after nearly a year of pre-production. The cast so far includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amala Paul, Parthiban and Jyothika among a few others. The latest we hear is that Sobhita Dhulipala last seen in Geethu Mohandas's Moothon and the web series Made in Heaven, has landed a key role in the film. According to sources from the film's camp, Shobita would have combination scenes with Jayam Ravi and she will be seen majorly in the second half of the film. She will be joining the sets of the film by the end of this month. The team,...

CAA'Long Live Secularism’, ‘Don’t divide peaceful nation based on religion’ and other messages were shared by the actors and filmmakers.Shiba KurianWhen protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act erupted across the country, Kerala made headlines when the ruling Cpi(M)-led Left Democratic Front as well as the Opposition — Congress-led United Democratic Front — came together to call out the Bjp at the Centre. Not just politicians, activists and student groups but celebrities of the Malayalam film industry, too, have spoken up at a time when those in other film industries are being exhorted to speak up. From actors like Parvathy, Rima Kallingal, Mammootty, Kunchacko Boban, Prithviraj, Indrajith, Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas to filmmakers like Aashiq Abu and Zakariya Mohammed, a host of prominent figures from the industry have spoken up against the Act and have lent support to those protesting against it. Some took to social media to express their dissent,...

Mollywood On International Men's Day, Popcult.tribe, a popular page on Facebook and Instagram, shared 9 takeaways from Malayalam films which have broken away from toxic masculinity. Sreedevi JayarajanImage credits: Popcult.tribe/Facebook For decades, commercial Malayalam cinema has showered us with scores of cookie-cutter male protagonists - the mass ‘hero’ who oozes masculinity, twirls his moustache, beats up a 100 goons and wins over the unsuspecting female lead. This template has been used and reused so much that when a real and well-etched male character finally comes alive in a rare appearance, it becomes a breath of fresh air. On November 19, International Men’s Day, PopCult, a popular Facebook and instagram page which discusses Malayalam cinema, compiled a list of 9 takeaways from films which have broken away from toxic masculinity and have presented us with very real and vulnerable characters. There is nothing shameful in asking to be loved: Dasharatham, the...

A strong selection of Indian films is among the highlights of the 21st Mumbai Film Festival. The festival, which runs Oct. 17-24, announced its lineup on Thursday.

The festival’s Spotlight strand boasts of five world premieres, including Arati Kadav’s much awaited sci-film “Cargo,” actor Seema Bhargava Pahwa’s directorial debut, the family drama “Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi,” Deepti Gupta’s document of a female artist’s fight for equality in modern India “Shut Up Sona,” Kamal Swaroop’s portrayal of a theatre troupe staging a mythological play “Samudra Manthan” and R.V. Ramani’s “Oh That’s Bhanu.” The strand also includes Goutam Ghose’s “The Wayfarers” that has its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.

The Mumbai festival’s India Gold competition features further Busan titles, Gurvinder Singh’s “Bitter Chestnut” and Kislay’s “Just Like That,” and Gitanjali Rao’s hand drawn animation festival favourite...

MollywoodThe Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) will run from September 5-15 this year.Digital NativeMalayalam movie Jallikattu directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery with Anthony Varghese playing the lead role will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), which will run from September 5-15. The film is based on the short story Maoist penned by S Hareesh. On the Tiff page of the film, the synopsis reads: "A bold new voice in Malayalam cinema, Lijo Jose Pellissery presents a portrait of a remote village in his hometown where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence." Jallikattu is bankrolled by Thomas Panicker under his banner. S Hareesh in association with R Jayakumar has penned the screenplay for this venture. According to reports, the film will hit the marquee in October and the release date will be out soon. Phars Films has procured the distribution rights of this film,...

MollywoodThis is probably the first time a Malayalam film is opening at the Mami.Digital NativeNivin Pauly starrer Moothon directed by actor-turned-director Geethu Mohandas has been chosen to be screened as the opening film at this year’s 21st edition of Jio Mami festival which will be held from October 17-24 in Mumbai. This is probably the first time a Malayalam film is opening at the Mami. The film will be screened at the 21st opening ceremony of the festival, which will commence on October 17. .@geetumohandas’s gritty & poignant #Moothon will open our 21st edition. Thank you #anuragkashyap @geetumohandas for sharing your film with us. @NivinOfficial @sobhitaD #roshanmathew @ShashankSArora @JarPictures #goodbadfilms #MiniStudio #OpeningFilm #JioMAMIwithStar2019 pic.twitter.com/aYZBU6vVJX — JioMAMIwithStar (@MumbaiFilmFest) August 12, 2019 Reports are that Nivin Pauly will be playing a doctor in this flick. Besides Nivin Pauly, it stars Unni Mukundan in an important role as well. The film...

InterviewThe 23-year-old actor speaks about the phone not ringing after her debut, acting as Nivin Pauly's sister, and her 5 minute monologue in 'Luca'.Neelima MenonTalking to Ahaana Krishna is like speaking to that teenager in you. One doesn't really come across many female actors who tell you that after their debut (in Rajeev Ravi’s Njan Steve Lopez), no offers came their way. Or that they've done very few films to figure out their process as an actor. Or that it took them several viewings to figure out what their debut film - Njan Steve Lopez in Ahaana's case - was all about. This 23-year-old has a disarming honesty, clarity and a rare ability to laugh at herself that made me scroll down her Insta feed and sit through her second film, Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, all over again. It wasn’t easy to get hold of her for an interview.

MollywoodThis is Geethu Mohandas's second directorial.Tnm StaffThe official teaser of Moothon (meaning elder brother in Malayalam), Geethu Mohandas’s second film after Liar’s Dice that released in 2014, is out. Moothon is Geethu’s feature film debut in Malayalam. The clip that is one minute and 30 seconds long begins with a voice-over that narrates the story of a man, a migrant. “Long ago, countless years ago, a swine came here from the island. I saw him struggling here doing all kinds of odd jobs. His body was covered with scars. When fortune turned a blind eye to him, he started whatever he could to survive. The cops would nab him from time to time. When finally he came to me a defeated man. I finished him off myself,” goes the deep voice, and then we finally get to see Nivin Pauly’s face smeared with a yellowish, dry paste.

Mollywood The movie, touted to be a family entertainer, is Haneef Adeni’s third directorial venture. Tnm StaffYoutube ScreengrabThe much-awaited teaser of Nivin Pauly’s newest film Mikhael was released on Wednesday. The movie’s shooting was wrapped up in less than three months which led to a lot of expectations among his fans. The teaser begins with shots of a woman and a child, walking in a cemetery with flowers in their hands and a voice-over saying that he was not God to liberate a soul by making it repent. Ample shots of action and suspense dot the 1.24- minute-long teaser. The teaser also shows quite a few shots of Nivin Pauly and the leading lady Manjima Mohan in white coats, strengthening the rumours of them playing doctors in the film. Ending with Nivin Pauly’s voice saying ‘I am Mikhael’ in Malayalam, the teaser reveals just enough to...

MollywoodThe movie has reportedly been titled ‘Thuramukham’ and will begin shooting in mid 2019.Digital NativeActor Nivin Pauly will reportedly be teaming up with cinematographer turned director Rajeev Ravi for a new project which will be set in the backdrop of Cochin harbor and revolves around the people living in that coastal region. The film will begin shooting in mid 2019 after Nivin completes his current set of projects. According to the reports that have been doing the rounds, the movie has been titled as Thuramukham. However, an official confirmation about the same is awaited. Nivin Pauly’s last release Kayamkulam Kochunni, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, turned out to be a hit and the star recently wrapped up Mikhael, directed by Haneef Adeni. The film is touted to be a family entertainer and will have elements of a thriller as well. Reports are that Nivin Pauly will be playing a doctor in this film.

MollywoodThe actor will be seen playing a doctor in this neo-noir action thriller.Digital NativeThe shooting of the Nivin Pauly starrer Mikhael took the team less than three months to complete. According to reports, the shooting has been wrapped up in exactly 84 days, much to the delight of all those involved in the making of the film. On the film’s completion, its director Haneef Adeni posted on his social networking page early on Wednesday: “You have been my blood and sweat for the last 84 days to accomplish my dream #Mikhael #Packup Nivin Pauly without you this journey would have been pretty difficult for me … You are the soul of our movie Mikhael Vishnu Panicker You made my vision so much successful and I really appreciate your support. Thank you Anto chetta for your kind support. And above all my #Gangs you guys are my left right and center … Love you all.

MollywoodNivin will soon be making his debut in the Hindi film industry with the bilingual ‘Moothon’ that is directed by Geethu Mohandas.Digital NativeDigital NativeMalayalam star Nivin Pauly is currently basking in the success of his latest film Kayamkulam Kochunni. The period flick is gaining positive reviews and heading towards the Rs 100 crore club. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film has been written by Bobby and Sanjay. The cast includes Nivin Pauly, Priya Anand, Priyanka Thimmesh, Sunny Wayne and Babu Antony, with Mohanlal featuring in an extended cameo. While everyone is praising the star for his decision in electing to do Kayamkulam Kochunni, Nivin Pauly had revealed that he had to let go of a Bollywood project to accommodate the film. The star reportedly said that some delays in the Kayamkulam Kochunni schedules prevented him from accepting a Hindi movie. Well, that’s unfortunate, but Nivin will soon be making...

ControversyIn a detailed statement, the Wcc has questioned Mohanlal’s assertion that he and Amma were with the survivor, but they were also praying for Dileep.Tnm StaffResponding to the press meet held by actor and president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma), Mohanlal, the Women in Cinema Collective (Wcc) called it disappointing. In a detailed statement, the Wcc questioned Mohanlal’s assertion that he and Amma were with the survivor but were also praying for Dileep -- an accused in the case of rape and conspiracy. “By taking in a man who is accused of a crime, Amma has made clear with whom they stand in this issue. There are certain values, responsibilities and morality than an organisation should keep in mind. To make it appear that this decision (to take Dileep back) was taken based on technicalities is a cause of concern. The fact that people in Amma took back an accused without thinking that the survivor is also a part of the organization, is painful,” Wcc said. During the press meet, a journalist had asked Mohanlal why Amma had not helped the survivor when she had complained to the forum a few years ago that Dileep was depriving her of opportunities in the industry. Mohanlal had replied saying that the female actor had not given a written complaint. Wcc contested Mohanlal’s version and said: “Even as you say that the survivor did not submit any letter, we feel that we should let you know what she wanted to say. When she informed Edavela Babu saying that she is being robbed of all the roles that are coming her way, he immediately called up the accused actor and asked for his version. He then called her and said that these were just her assumptions. Later after she was assaulted, she requested Edavela Babu to stand by her side and support her. Apart from saying that he would stand by her, he did not mention a written complaint from the survivor.” Mohanlal had also told the media that the resignations of only Remya Nambessan and the survivor had reached Amma, while Rima Kallingal and Geethu Mohandas had not handed over the letters to the organization. Responding to this, Wcc said, “All those Wcc members who resigned along with her (the survivor) had announced it publicly. This message was conveyed to Amma on their official e-mail.” The Wcc also called out Amma and Mohanlal for insisting that Dileep issue was part of the agenda of the general body meeting on June 24. Mohanlal repeatedly said that women members had not objected to it and neither did the Wcc. He also went on to say that members of Wcc did not turn up at the Amma Annual General Body Meeting which was held on June 24, despite knowing that Dileep's reinstatement was on the agenda. “It was said in the press conference that the issue of taking the accused back into Amma was part of the agenda but from what we know, it was not part of the agenda,” Wcc said. Tnm had reported earlier that Dileep was not part of the meeting’s agenda, and Amma had taken it up without issuing any warning to the members. Wcc concluded its statement saying, “Even as things stand as they are, we believe in the democratic responsibilities that every organisation must follow. Because of that, we are hopeful about the discussion that is coming up. We hope that without wasting any more time, a decision regarding this issue will be arrived at and that a date will be fixed for an emergency meeting on this issue.” Read: Mohanlal claims Dileep issue was on Amma's June 24 agenda, documents show otherwise...

MollywoodOn Thursday, actors Revathy, Padmapriya, and Parvathy submitted letters to Amma, asking for an emergency executive meeting about the film body's decision to reinstate Dileep.Tnm StaffThe faultlines in the Malayalam film industry have widened to fissures after the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) took back rape accused Dileep in their organisation. On Thursday, Wcc members and actors Revathy, Padmapriya, and Parvathy submitted letters to Amma, asking for an emergency executive meeting about the film body's decision to reinstate Dileep. The post on the Wcc page begins with a note asserting their solidarity with the survivor:    "In solidarity with our colleagues who took a brave stand yesterday! Always #Avalkoppam. We at Wcc believe that constructive dialogue as well as action is essential for real change. Each one of us are shocked at the decision made at the previous general body meeting of Amma. Hence we as Amma members have sought a meeting with the new executive committee as explained in our letter. All members of Amma had condemned that heinous act of assault on the survivor. All members of Amma had pledged complete support to the survivor. But this last decision of Amma directly contradicts all of that. Hence we want to know where Amma really stands on this issue. Sharing the official letter sent to Amma !" In the letter addressed to Edavela Babu, the General Secretary of Amma, the members have questioned how the decision to take back Dileep was made without it being listed on the agenda. They have further said that they were not in town when the meeting was held and that they would have surely opposed the move had they been present.  Calling for an emergency Executive meeting, the members have put forth four demands to Amma, including asking what the film body had done in support of the survivor and how the bye-laws are structured to protect the welfare of its members. The move comes after the events of Wednesday when core members of the Women in Cinema Collective - actors Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeeshan, director Geethu Mohandas, and the survivor in the case - resigned in protest from Amma.  The four women are also part of the Wcc which was instituted after one of them was abducted and brutally assaulted in February 2017. While Amma had initially appeared to support the survivor, the narrative soon changed after the police arrested Dileep for being the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Dileep was denied bail twice and he faced a massive public backlash soon after the arrest. However, since then, several prominent members of the Malayalam film industry have thrown their weight behind him, asserting that he could not have done what he stands accused of. This, even as the police investigation was underway.  In their respective resignation letters, Rima, Remya, Geethu, and the survivor had each noted their disappointment with Amma and the conduct of its members.  Actor Rima Kallingal had slammed the film body's insensitivity in an interview with Reporter TV in which she had cited how the Malayalam film industry had ridiculed the Wcc repeatedly, with little consideration for the survivor's state of mind. Read the full letter below: To Shree Edavela Babu, General Secretary, Amma Dear Sir, We are writing this letter to express our concern as women members of Amma on the recent decision to bring back the expelled member (Dileep) in the general body meeting held on 24th July 2018. At this meeting, a very crucial decision was taken regarding a member who was expelled due to his involvement in the alleged assault of one of Amma's women members. Considering the gravity of the circumstances and the matter being sub-judice, it is shocking that such an important matter was decided without listing it on the agenda or being discussed among all members prior to the meeting. Amma had publicly pledged full support to the member who survived the assault but the decision taken at the said meeting for reinstating the expelled member who is now a charge sheeted suspect, goes against the promise made by Amma to the survivor. As a result, yesterday, the survivor has resigned and in solidarity with her three other women members have also resigned. They have clearly stated their reasons and this does not reflect well on Amma and what it does for the welfare of its women members. We as members of Amma urge that Amma upholds the promise it has made and should not go back on its word. Particularly so as this matter is still under legal and media scrutiny and there is strong public outcry about it. We were unable to attend the said meeting as we were not in station and were unaware about this matter being discussed at the meeting. (If we had known we would have surely raised our concerns at the meeting prior to such a decision being made). We understand from Amma officials that under such exceptional circumstances there is a provision for an Emergency Executive Body Meeting to be called to address our concerns. We request for the same to be called so that we may participate, discuss & understand: 1. The expelled member's reinstatement & the implications of Amma's decision. 2. The steps taken by Amma to support the survivor. 3. How AMMAs bye-laws are structured to ensure welfare of all its members. 4. What Amma can do to make women feel more included and safe. As members who do not reside/ are not present in Kerala we are requesting the meeting to take place on either 13th or 14th of July 2018. As members of Amma we genuinely believe that at this critical point we will come together to serve the best interests of all our members. Look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Revathy Asha Kelunni, Padmapriya Janakiraman, Parvathy. Life Members of Amma. 28th June 2018  ...

MollywoodGeethu Mohandas, actor and film maker who was one among the four who resigned told Tnm in an interview that it was her personal decision to stand by her friend, the survivor.Tnm StaffIt was a decision that wasn’t expected, that too barely months after they had finally chucked him out. Dileep’s comeback into The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma), the apex body of the Malayalam film industry in Kerala had rattled many. Especially uncomfortable with Amma’s decision were members of the Women in Cinema Collective (Wcc), an assortment of women professionals in the Malayalam film industry. For Wcc, that had been formed after a female actor was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in February 2017, Amma’s decision was shocking and perhaps unexpected. After two days of deliberation, on Tuesday there was consensus that a few of the members, close friends of the survivor would resign from Amma and that the survivor herself will lead the resignation campaign. Geethu Mohandas, actor and film maker who was one among the four who resigned told Tnm in an interview that it was her personal decision to stand by her friend, the survivor. She added that the matter had been discussed among members of the Wcc. When asked whether it would have been better to stay within the system and fight, Geethu said, “I felt it’s better to fight outside the system than inside , for the obvious reasons mentioned in my statement.” In her resignation note she had said that it had become tough to question Amma’s decisions while being a part of it. “Amma needs people who follow the decision of the leadership without questioning. Our voices are getting drowned there. We cannot allow that anymore. I stand with my friend and will fight Amma's such irresponsible actions from outside,” she wrote. What do Geethu and others in Wcc expect Amma to do now? “Nothing”, she says and adds, “We have shown our solidarity with our friend and protested the way we think is right.” Geethu says she had not anticipated that the first meeting of the newly elected committee headed by Mohanlal would reinstate Dileep. “It was shocking and irresponsible. I actually never thought of it and didn’t see it coming,” she said. For almost everyone who is a member of Wcc, it has not been an easy fight. Ridiculed as ‘feminichis’ and trolled by fans of male actors, some have even found their opportunities waning. But this is a fight that Geethu says they will continue, “The fight against misogyny has always been there. We are continuing it. Gender sensitization is a basic requirement for the normal development of an individual. It should start at a young age and even in educational systems,” Geethu said.

MollywoodThe director is known for making military-oriented films with strong patriotic theme and this will be his first romantic tale.Digital NativeDigital NativeNews was already out that Major Ravi and Nivin Pauly will be teaming up for a film. The director, known for making military-oriented films with strong patriotic theme, will be directing a romantic tale for the first time in his career. A former army man, he has entrusted the script writing to Benny P Nayarambalam. The director’s last outing was 1971: Beyond Borders, which had Mohanlal in the lead role. He recently announced that he would be assisting director Priyadarshan in the making of Kunjali Marakkar which is due to go on to the floors later this year. On the Nivin Pauly project, he is reported to have told that it will commence after the star is done with Kayamkulam Kochunni, a film on the legendary Robin Hood style highwayman. The film is being directed Roshan Andrews and has Mohanlal making in an extended cameo. Major Ravi has said that Benny P Nayarambalam is currently busy penning the script for the film and it will go on to the floors once Nivin Pauly is done with the current assignments. Nivin Pauly and Major Ravi are teaming up for the first time and the director is trying his hands on a romantic tale for the first time in his career. All this has created a lot of expectations among the film buffs to know more about the project. Major Ravi, according to sources, will reveal the details about the star cast and crew in the coming days. He is currently busy researching for Kunjali Marakkar. Kunjali Marakkar is a title given to the Muslim Naval Chiefs at the Zamorin in the 16th century. Nivin Pauly’s last release was Hey Jude which did well at the box office. He is currently busy with the Geethu Mohandas directorial Moothon. The film’s second schedule began recently and Nivin Pauly has joined the sets. A bilingual made on Malayalam and Hindi, he plays the character Akbar in it. Nivin Pauly will be seen in a role in search of his long-lost older brother. The story had won the global filmmaking award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

MollywoodLijo Jose Pellissery, one of the maverick directors in Mollywood right now, is known for films such as ‘City of God’, ‘Amen’ and ‘Angamaly Diaries’.Digital NativeDigital NativeReports are rife that Nivin Pauly may team up with director Lijo Jose Pellissery for the first time. Sources in tinsel town indicate that the filmmaker is in talks with Nivin Pauly and Anthony Varghese for his next. However, there is no official word on it yet. Nivin Pauly’s last release was Hey Jude which did well at the box office. He is currently busy with the Geethu Mohandas directorial Moothon. The film’s second schedule began recently and Nivin Pauly is said to have joined the sets. A bilingual made in Malayalam and Hindi, the film will have Nivin playing a character named Akbar, who is in search of his long-lost older brother. The story had won the global filmmaking award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. Besides Moothon, the actor also has Kayamkulam Kochunni in his kitty. A period film based on the life of the highwayman of the same name, it is being directed by Roshan Andrews. While Nivin Pauly plays the title role, the film will also feature Mohanlal in an extended cameo. Mohanlal will be seen playing the role Ithikkara Pakki in it. He had joined the sets of the film a couple of months ago and has now completed shooting for his portions. Lijo Jose Pellissery, one of the maverick directors in the Malayalam film industry right now, began his career as a director with the 2010 release Nayakan starring Indrajith Sukumaran in the lead role. He went on to direct films such as City of God, Amen, Double Barrel and Angamaly Diaries. His next film, a satirical drama titled Ee Ma Yau, is coming up for release on May 4. The movie stars Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod Jose and Dileesh Pothan playing pivotal roles. Pf Mathews has penned the script for this venture and music is by Prashant Pillai. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

Mollywood The star reportedly landed on his arms while performing a stunt sequence. Digital NativeNivin Pauly is playing the title role in Kayamkulam Kochunni and the shooting of this film is progressing at a breakneck speed. According to reports from the sets, Nivin Pauly, while shooting for a stunt sequence, fractured his arm and will be out of action for a fortnight. Sources report director Rosshan Andrews as saying that Nivin who had to jump down from a height to hit an attacker, fell on his arm, resulting in a minor fracture. Though the star had the option to opt for a dupe, he decided to do it himself, add sources. The Kayamkulam Kochunni team had just about 15 days of shooting left and was getting ready to fly down to Sri Lanka for a short schedule. With the hero being advised rest for the next 15 days, the dates have been rescheduled for the shooting to continue. Nivin was supposed the join the sets of Dhyan Sreenivasan’s Love Action Drama soon after wrapping up Kayamkulam Kochunni. However, this has been postponed to mid-May now. Kayamkulam Kochunni, directed by Rosshan Andrews, stars Mohanlal in a pivotal role as well. The film is based on the life of a highwayman who lived in the 19th century in the Central Travancore region. This Robinhood style thief stole from the rich to feed the poor. Kochunni died in jail in 1859. A devout Muslim, who prayed five times a day, he developed a dislike for the rich (money leaders and landlords) as he had grown up in abject poverty.The others in the star cast also include Priya Anand, Priyanka Thimmesh, Sunny Wayne and Babu Antony. The film is being bankrolled by Gokulam Gopalan under his banner Sri Gokulam Films. Gopi Sunder is composing the tunes for this flick with Binod Pradhan cranking the camera and A Sreekar Prasad editing. A film on this Robin Hood styled thief was made in 1966 by Pa Thomas and had Sathyan, Adoor Bhasi, Manavalan Joseph and K. J. Yesudas in the star cast. Besides Kayamkulam Kochunni, Nivin Pauly also has the Geethu Mohandas directorial Moothon in his kitty. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

At the International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk), actor Parvathy, known for her outspoken nature, said that she'd been disappointed by a superstar's film in recent times that had several misogynistic dialogues.

The actor was speaking as part of a panel discussion on how women have been represented in cinema thus far. Others from the Malayalam film industry like Rima Kallingal, Geethu Mohandas, Vidhu Vincent, Fouzia Fathima, Deedi Damodaran and Mahim Mirza were also present.

CinemaParvathy was abused for speaking out against the Mammootty film 'Kasaba', which glorifies violence against women. Tnm Staff parvathy_charlie.jpgAt the International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk), actor Parvathy, known for her outspoken nature, said that she'd been disappointed by a superstar's film in recent times that had several misogynistic dialogues. The actor was speaking as part of a panel discussion on how women have been represented in cinema thus far. Others from the Malayalam film industry like Rima Kallingal, Geethu Mohandas, Vidhu Vincent, Fouzia Fathima, Deedi Damodaran and Mahim Mirza were also present. The film Parvathy was referring to was Mammootty's Kasaba, in which the actor plays a policeman and threatens to hurt a woman so badly that he can "make her miss her menstrual cycle". "Kasaba is a movie that I watched. I was disappointed to watch an actor par excellence mouth dialogues to a woman that were not just derogatory, but saddening. Cinema reflects society, many say. But the line to draw is whether to glorify a hero like this or not," she said. After Parvathy made her comments, several people trolled her social media pages, abusing the actor for speaking against a Mammootty film. Accusing her of trying to be "intellectual", they've said she should be ashamed of herself for daring to speak against a senior actor like Mammootty. Parvathy, however, is having none of it. On her newly opened Twitter page, she said that cinema wasn't just cinema and that while it should reflect the bad things in society too, it cannot glorify these. Taking on questions and comments from people, Parvathy wrote, "Cinema can reflect all aspects of the society and all kinds of people. The good, the bad and the ugly. But no! It cannot glorify injustice and violence as ‘cool’ and ‘mass’ entertainment." The actor pointed out that this wasn't about "curbing cinematic creativity" but about "reassessing how negatives can be imitated in society." She noted that she wasn't asking actors to do only certain roles. "Yes by all means let's do bad negative roles. But let's not glorify the negativity! When the audience applaud, get influenced by it, society is at risk," she said. Parvathy further asserted that she would never do a role that glorifies misogyny. Yes it should reflect all the bad things too but it cannot and should not be Glorified. That is where you draw the line. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 I would never do a role that glorifies misogyny. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 Thasneem, I'm replying to you because you speak to me decently. Make note that I'm not asking actors to only do certain roles. Yes by all means let's do bad negative roles. But let's not glorify the negativity! When the audience applaud, get influenced by it, society is at risk. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 I disagree. Pen is mightier than the sword- this is said for a reason. And cinema at this point is extremely influential. It's everywhere and especially when audience end up worshiping characters and thereby the stars the pen has to be more careful. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 This isn't about curbing cinematic creativity. This is only about reassessing how negatives can be imitated in society. And therefore give it a better structure so we avoid glorification of violence and disrespect. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 Cinema can reflect all aspects of the society and all kinds of people. The good, the bad and the ugly. But no! It cannot glorify injustice and violence as "cool" & "mass" entertainment. I rest my case. This was a good day indeed! Thank you for sharing (and hurling) your thoughts! — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 I never criticised him. Simply expressed my disappointment in the movie. Thanks for being respectful in the way you put across the comment here. Very rare it seems here. — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 Both Mohanlal and Mammootty, the two senior superstars of the Malayalam film industry, have a large fanbase that indulges in vicious trolling if anyone says anything that could be construed as "offensive" against the stars. Actor Anna Rajan, who recently said in a light vein that she'd like to act as Dulquer's heroine while Mammootty could act as his father, was abused severely by trolls and she took to Facebook Live to issue a tearful apology. The Women in Cinema Collective, which was established after the horrific assault of a prominent woman actor earlier this year, is interested in not only creating a more equal work space but also examining how women are represented in cinema. While misogyny in films has been analysed and critiqued by several people outside the industry, we haven't had many insider voices speak about the issue until now. Parvathy's clear articulation of just why such depictions are derogatory and problematic is a step forward in making that important acknowledgment. The mostly male crowd dismissing her views as "arrogance" typify the very misogyny that the actor is speaking about. Vanamala vannallo!!! #trolls Welcome welcome- please kindly take my words out of context, remind me that I'm "just a actress" and curse at me. Here's to your sensitive chauvinistic blind hearts! Yours- that annoying feminist. pic.twitter.com/HSUMjHXIKg — Parvathy T K (@parvatweets) December 12, 2017 Enanble Notification: NoTnm Marquee: No...

Director Geethu Mohandas is upbeat over her upcoming film Moothon, which has Nivin Pauly playing the lead role. To be made and released in Hindi and Malayalam simultaneously, the director had been scouting for suitable actors to be a part of this bilingual. She has now signed up three Bollywood actors – Shashank Arora, Shobitha Dhulipala and Harish Khanna to play important roles.

Line-up includes projects from Geetu Mohandas, Mostofa S. Farooki and Haobam Paban Kumar, along with the event’s first ever animation projects.

India’s National Film Development Corp (Nfdc) has unveiled the 18 projects selected for the Co-production Market at this year’s Film Bazaar, including new works from Geetu Mohandas, Mostofa S. Farooki [pictured] and Haobam Paban Kumar.

Mohandas, whose first feature Liar’s Dice screened at Sundance and won six international awards, is bringing her new project Insha’allah to Film Bazaar, with Jar Pictures attached as producer. Farooki, whose credits as director include Television and Ant Story, is producing fellow Bangladeshi director Abu Shahed Emon’s A Foolish Man.

Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar, whose debut Lady Of The Lake premieres in New Currents at Busan this week, is again working with Oli Pictures on Joseph’s Son.

The Film Bazaar line-up also includes the event’s first two animation projects –Soumitra Ranade’s Kabuliwala, to be...

Filipino director Lav Diaz among jury members.

Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf is to serve as president of the International Competition jury for the 5th On The Edge (Kray Sveta) International Film Festival (Aug 21-28) on the Russian island of Sakhalin in the North Pacific Ocean.

The jury will comprise: Filipino director Lav Diaz, who won Locarno’s Golden Leopard last year for From What Is Before; leading Russian actor Danila Kozlovsky, who made a recent foray into Hollywood with Vampire Academy; and actress Anna Chipovskaya whose recent credits include Shpion and Yolki 3.

Makhmalbaf’s last feature, The President, will be shown during the festival as a Russian premiere, and there will also be screenings of his documentary Daddy’s School. Diaz’s five-hour epic, From What Is Before, is also set to screen at the festival.

The Competition section is set to include such titles as Kim Ki-Duk’s latest feature Stop; Armenian filmmaker Aram Shakhbadzian...

Prashant Nair’s second feature film Umrika will compete in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival 2015.

Produced by Manish Mundra and Swati Shetty, Umrika features Life of Pi fame Suraj Sharma along with Adil Hussain, Prateik Babbar, Rajesh Tailang and Tony Revolori in lead roles. The film is about a young village boy who discovers that his brother, long believed to be in America, has actually gone missing. He begins to invent letters on his behalf to save their mother from heartbreak, all the while searching for him.

Nair’s first film Delhi in a Day traveled to several festivals in India and Indian festivals abroad, besides releasing theatrically in August 2012.

Last year, Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice was selected for World Cinema Dramatic Competition in Sundance.

Exclusive: Jar Pictures has unveiled a slate of upcoming productions headed by DoP Shanker Raman’s directorial debut Gurgaon and Gaurav Saxena’s feature version of his celebrated short film, Rangzen.

Ten-minute short Rangzen (which means freedom in Tibetan) premiered in the Generation Kplus competition at this year’s Berlin Film Festival and was also voted best international short at the UK’s Raindance Film Festival.

The feature will expand on the story of a Tibetan boy in Dharamshala coming to terms with his refugee identity.

Raman’s noir drama Gurgaon spotlights gender prejudice in the ‘new town’ of the film’s title, which is located close to New Delhi. Aamir Bashir and Pankaj Tripathi have been cast in the film, which is scheduled to start shooting early next year.

Raman describes Gurgaon as “a cautionary tale about social fragmentation that disintegrates first the community, then the family, and ultimately our sense of humanity.”

A renowned...

Every year Hollywood gets a curated batch of films from dozens of countries seeking an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. One film per nation is chosen to represent the best of its cinematic production during the previous year. Certainly the chosen film is not always the ideal candidate, but the reasoning behind the selection usually follows two patterns: there are countries that go with the best film even if this is not the most appealing choice and there are countries that go with the most ambitious, industry-friendly, and financially successful work. This year the astonishing number of submissions – a total of 83 – makes for an incredible list of films that range from those that sport festival pedigree of the highest caliber, unknown gems looking for an audience, expensive visual achievements, and obscure art house hopefuls.

This year more than most, there are a great number of films with serious possibilities. There is no unshakable front-runner, but there are numerous favorites. Yet, looking at last year’s 9 shortlisted films and eventual 5 nominees, nothing is written in stone. Critics and audience favorites like “ The Past” (Iran), “Gloria” (Chile), “Heli” (Mexico), and “Wadjda” (Saudi Arabia) were left out to include surprises like “The Missing Picture“ (Cambodia), “An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker” (Bosnia & Herzegovina) or “The Notebook” (Hungary).

With Awards Season now in full swing and knowing that this is one of the most difficult races to follow, here is a comprehensive list that includes information for each of the 83 submissions. Below each poster you will find the title of the film linked to its page on IMDb Pro followed by the title in the original language; the director’s name also linked to his/her IMDb Page; the language the film is primarily in; the name of the U.S. distributor if there is one; the name of the film’s International Sales Agent (Isa) or Production Company (PC) linked to the film’s page on Cinando; and a link to the film’s trailer (most of them have English subtitles, others are only in the original language, and a few are videos related to the film because a trailer wasn't available). In addition, reviews and interviews with many of these filmmakers will be added regularly.

Before getting into the list, let’s take a look at some of the statistics and patterns among these 83 foreign language features.

Period Dramas/Biopics

Several countries selected films based on the lives of prominent local figures or great period pieces, both showcase the level of films being produced across the globe in terms of production value and scope. Mexico’s “Cantinflas,” Venezuela’s “The Liberator,” Kyrgyzstan “Kurmanjan Datka Queen of the Mountains,” Bolivia’s “Forgotten,” Indonesia’s “Soekarno,” Greece’s “Little England,” Macedonia’s “To the Hilt,” Hong Kong’s “The Golden Era,” Austria’s “The Dark Valley,” Switzerland’s “The Circle,” Bulgaria’s “Bulgarian Rhapsody,” Serbia’s “ See You in Montevideo,” Slovakia’s “A Step Into the Dark” and New Zealand’s “The Dead Lands” are some of the most expensive films ever made in their respective territories. All of them are epic productions that highlight an important historical period using impressive cinematography, a great number of extras, intricate costumes, lavish locations, detailed production design, as well as great battle sequences in several of them. Other more traditional biopics/period pieces on the list include France’s “Saint Laurent,” The Netherlands “ Accused,” Germany’s “Beloved Sisters,” Spain’s “Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed” and the Czech Republic’s “Fair Play”

Masters and Festival Winners

Not surprisingly many of the films on the list come into this race after winning important awards at international festivals. Furthermore, a handful of them are from master filmmakers, masters in the making, or unique new voices. These films include Belgium’s “Two Days, One Night” (Cannes, Telluride, Tiff, Nyff, AFI Fest) by the Dardenne Brothers, Canada’s “Mommy” (Cannes, Telluride, Tiff, AFI Fest) by prodigy Xavier Dolan, Chile’s “To Kill a Man” (Sundance, Rotterdam, Cartagena) by Alejandro Fernandez Almendras, Hungary's "White God" (Cannes) by Kornél Mundruczó, Norway’s “1001 Grams” (Tiff) by Bent Hamer, Poland’s “Ida”(Tiff, Sundance) by Pawel Pawlikowski, Russia’s “Leviathan” (Cannes, Telluride, Tiff, AFI Fest) by Andrey Zvyagintsev, Sweden’s “Force Majeure” (Cannes, Telluride, Tiff) by Ruben Östlund, and Turkey’s “ Winter Sleep” (Cannes, Telluride, Tiff) by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. All of these films have played at renowned international festivals and most have earned important recognition there.

Out of the Box

Whether they are aware of their actual possibilities at a nomination or not, each year a few countries take the risk of sending a film that defies convention despite having more safe choices. But that is not say they are entirely out of the race, films like “The Missing Picture” and “Dogtooth” prove that sometimes there is room for daring and unique filmmaking. With “Rocks in My Pockets” Latvia is the only country to submit an animated film this year. The film is an inventive and colorful look at depression. Then there is the almost-silent and highly poetic Ecuadorian entry “Silence in Dreamland” and Singapore’s musically driven drama “Sayang Disayang.” However, the boldest selection has to be the Philippines’ “Norte, the End of History” by acclaimed auteur Lav Diaz, which runs over four hours and is inspired by Dostoyevsky Crime and Punishment.

Documentaries

Only two countries chose to go with non-fiction entries. One of them is Panama’s “Invasion,” which deals with the aftermath of the U.S. intervention in that country in 1989. This is the Central American nation’s first ever Oscar submission. The other documentary contending is Portugal’s “ What Now? Remind Me,“ a self-portrait by filmmaker Joaquim Pinto exploring his struggles living with HIV. One should note that Portugal is one of the few countries in Western Europe to have never obtained a nomination in the category despite entering films consecutively for several decades.

Lgbt

Films with stories that highlight sexual diversity occasionally make their way into this list. Last year the only Lgbt title submitted was “ Soongava: Dance of the Orchids,” which surprisingly came from Nepal and dealt with the relationship between two young women in the traditional Asian society. This time around two countries selected films with similar themes. Brazil’s festival darling “ The Way He Looks” – a sweet coming-of-age tale- was an audacious choice among the many other films the South American country produces every year. Then there is Switzerland’s “The Circle” about a pioneering gay publication during the 1940s/1950s in Zurich and the real life relationship between two of its prominent members.

Surprising Choices

As it usually happens, some countries go against what the industry expects and decide to send films that weren’t on most people’s radars. Bulgaria for example selected “Bulgarian Rhapsody” by veteran director Ivan Nitchev over Sundance’s “Viktoria” by young female director Maya Vitkova. Similarly, Ukraine overlooked Cannes favorite “The Tribe”- a powerful drama entirely in sign language - and decided to go with “The Guide” by Oles Sanin. Nevertheless, the most shocking decision came from China. Instead of selecting a Chinese-directed film like Berlin’s Golden Bear winner “Black Coal, Thin Ice” or Zhang Yimou’s “Coming Home,” the Chinese selection committee chose “The Nightingale” by French director Philippe Muyl. Despite having a European helmer the film is authentically Chinese in terms of language and story, but it was still an unexpected move from the traditionally patriotic country.

First Timers

The unprecedented number of entries is in part due to the addition of countries submitting for the first time. Besides aforementioned Panama, there are three other debutant nations in the mix. Kosovo- a tiny Balkan state often associated with the rampart war that afflicted the region a few decades ago - is finally showcasing its film production. Their entry titled “Three Windows and a Hanging” is said to be a high quality, affecting drama. Malta - a European island nation near Italy - is often used as astonishing location for big budget studio films. This year, however, “ Simshar,” a great immigration drama will represent the country. Lastly, Mauritania – a prominently Muslim nation in Sub-Saharan Africa – selected Abderrahmane Sissako’s “Timbuktu,”which played in competition at Cannes,as their inaugural submission. Although Sissako has had several successful films at international festivals, this is the first time his country decides to participate.

Female Directors

Out of the 83 films, 14 were directed by women. That’s 17% of all entries. What’s more interesting is the fact that some of these films come from countries that are often seen as traditionally patriarchal societies. 3 Latin American entries were created by female directors: Colombia’s “Mateo,” Costa Rica’s “Red Princesses” and the Dominican Republic’s “Cristo Rey.” 4 from Asia: Hong Kong’s “ The Golden Era,” India’s “Liar’s Dice,” Japan’s “The Light Shines Only There,” and Pakistan’s “Dukhtar.” 2 from the Middle East: Israel’s “Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem” (Co-directed) and Palestine’s “Eyes of a Thief.” Lastly, 5 films from Europe: The Czech Republic’s “Fair Play,” Finland’s “Concrete Night,” Latvia’s “ Rocks in My Pockets,” Malta’s “Simshar” and the Netherlands’ “Accused.”

U.S. Distribution

Another interesting fact is the number of these films that already have U.S. distribution. Several of them have actually already opened theatrically here, and others are set to open early next year. Out 83 films, 24 already have U.S. distribution. That’s 29% of all films. Hopefully that number increases by the end of the season. The films are: Argentina’s “Wild Tales,” Austria’s “The Dark Valley,” Belgium’s “Two Days, One Night,” Brazil’s “The Way He Looks,” Canada’s “Mommy,” Chile’s “To Kill a Man,” France’s “Saint Laurent,” Germany’s “Beloved Sisters,” Hungary’s “White God,” Israel’s “ Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem,” Italy’s “Human Capital,” Latvia’s “Rocks in My Pockets,” Mauritania’s “Timbuktu,” Mexico’s “Cantinflas,” Norway’s “1001 Grams,” The Philippines “Norte, the End of History,” Poland’s “Ida,” Portugal's "What Now? Remind Me," Russia’s “Leviathan,” Spain’s “Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed,” Sweden’s “Force Majeure,” Switzerland’s “The Circle,” Turkey’s “Winter Sleep,” and Venezuela’s “ The Liberator.”

To see which distribution company has each of these films please refer to the list below.

Afghanistan

"A Few Cubic Meters of Love" (چند متر مکعب عشق)

Dir: Jamshid Mahmoudi

Language: Persian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Dreamlab Films

Trailer

Argentina

"Wild Tales" (Relatos Salvajes)

Dir: Damián Szifrón

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: Sony Pictures Classics

Isa: Film Factory Entertainment

Trailer

Austria

"The Dark Valley" (Das finstere Tal)

Dir: Andreas Prochaska

Language: German

U.S Distribution: Film Movement

Isa: Films Distribution

Trailer

Australia

"Charlie's Country"

Dir: Rolf de Heer

Language: Yolŋu Matha/English

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Visit Films

Trailer

Azerbaijan

"Nabat"

Dir: Elcin Musaoglu

Language: Azerbaijani

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Dreamlab Films

Trailer

Bangladesh

"Glow of the Firefly" (Jonakir Alo)

Dir: Khalid Mahmood Mithu

Language: Bengali

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Impress Telefilm

Trailer

Belgium

"Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit)

Dir: Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne

Language: French/Arabic

U.S Distribution: Sundance Selects

Isa: Wild Bunch

Trailer

Bolivia

"Forgotten" (Olvidados)

Dir: Carlos Bolado

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Flor de Loto Pictures

Trailer

Bosnia & Herzegovina

"With Mom" (Sa mamom)

Dir: Faruk Loncarevic

Language: Bosnian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Scca/pro.ba

TraileR

Brazil

"The Way He Looks" (Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho)

Dir: Daniel Ribeiro

Language: Portuguese

U.S Distribution: Strand Releasing

Isa: Films Boutique Trailer

Bulgaria

"Bulgarian Rhapsody" (българска рапсодия)

Dir: Ivan Nitchev

Language: Bulgarian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Cinepaz Eood

Trailer

Canada

"Mommy"

Dir: Xavier Dolan

Language: French/English

U.S Distribution: Roadside Attractions

Isa: Seville International

Trailer

Chile

"To Kill a Man" (Matar a un Hombre)

Dir: Alejandro Fernández Almendras

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: Film Movement

Isa: Film Factory Entertainment

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China

"The Nightingale" (夜莺/Le promeneur d'oiseau)

Dir: Philippe Muyl

Language: Mandarin

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Kinology

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Colombia

"Mateo"

Dir: Maria Gamboa ♀

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Alpha Violet

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Costa Rica

"Red Princesses" (Princesas Rojas)

Dir: Laura Astorga ♀

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Latido Films Trailer

Croatia

"Cowboys" (Kauboji)

Dir: Tomislav Mrsic

Language: Croatian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Wide

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Cuba

"Behavior" (Conducta)

Dir: Ernesto Daranas

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Latido Films

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Czech Republic

"Fair Play"

Dir: Andrea Sedlácková Andrea Sedlácková

Language: Czech

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: IntraMovies

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Denmark

"Sorrow and Joy" (Sorg og glæde)

Dir: Nils Malmros

Language: Danish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Nordisk Film Production

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Dominican Republic

"Cristo Rey"

Dir: Leticia Tonos ♀

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: The Little Film Company

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Ecuador

"Silence in Dreamland" (El Silencio en la Tierra de los Sueños)

Dir: Tito Molina

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: La Facultad

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Egypt

"Factory Girl" (فتاة المصنع )

Dir: Mohamed Khan

Language: Arabic

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: DayDream Art Production

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Estonia

"Tangerines" (Mandariinid)

Dir: Zaza Urushadze

Language: Estonian/Russian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Cinemavault

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Ethiopia

"Difret"

Dir: Zeresenay Mehari

Language: Amharic

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Films Boutique Trailer

Finland

"Concrete Night" (Betoniyö)

Dir: Pirjo Honkasalo ♀

Language: Finnish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Film Republic Trailer

France

"Saint Laurent"

Dir: Bertrand Bonello

Language: French

U.S Distribution: Sony Pictures Classics

Isa: Europacorp

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Georgia

"Corn Island" (სიმინდის კუნძული)

Dir: George Ovashvili

Language: Georgian/Abkhazian/Russian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Arizona Productions

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Germany

"Beloved Sisters" (Die geliebten Schwestern)

Dir: Dominik Graf

Language: German /French

U.S Distribution: Music Box Films

Isa: Global Screen

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Greece

"Little England" (Μικρά Αγγλία)

Dir: Pantelis Voulgaris

Language: Greek

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Black Orange

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Hong Kong

"The Golden Era" (黄金时代)

Dir: Ann Hui ♀

Language: Mandarin

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Edko Films

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Hungary

"White God" (Fehér isten)

Dir: Kornél Mundruczó

Language: Hungarian/English

U.S Distribution: Magnolia Pictures

Isa: The Match Factory

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Iceland

"Life in a Fishbowl" (Vonarstræti)

Dir: Baldvin Zophoníasson

Language: None Yet

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Films Boutique Trailer

India

"Liar's Dice" (लायर्स डाइस)

Dir: Geethu Mohandas ♀

Language: Hindi

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Jar Pictures Trailer

Indonesia

"Soekarno"

Dir: Hanung Bramantyo

Language: Indonesian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Mvp Pictures

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Iran

"Today" (امروز )

Dir: Reza Mirkarimi

Language: Persian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Dreamlab Films

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Iraq

"Mardan"

Dir: Batin Ghobadi

Language: Kurdish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Versatile Trailer

Ireland

"The Gift" (An Bronntanas)

Dir: Tom Collins

Language: Irish/English

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Rosg/De Facto Films

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Israel

"Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem" (Gett: Le Procès de Viviane Amsalem)

Dir: Ronit Elkabetz ♀ & Shlomi Elkabetz

Language: Hebrew/French/Arabic

U.S Distribution: Music Box Films

Isa: Films Distribution

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Italy

"Human Capital" (Il Capitale Umano)

Dir: Paolo Virzì

Language: Italian

U.S Distribution: Film Movement

PC: Indiana Production Company

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Japan

"The Light Shines Only There" (そこのみにて光輝く)

Dir: Mipo Oh ♀

Language: Japanese

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Open Sesame

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Kosovo

"Three Windows and a Hanging" (Tri Dritare dhe një Varje)

Dir: Isa Qosja

Language: Albanian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: CMb Productions

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Kyrgyzstan

"Kurmanjan Datka Queen of the Mountains" (Курманжан Датка)

Dir: Sadyk Sher-Niyaz

Language: Kirghiz

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Aitysh Film

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Latvia

"Rocks in My Pockets" (Akmeņi manās kabatās)

Dir: Signe Baumane ♀

Language: Latvian

U.S Distribution: Zeitgeist Films

Isa: New Europe Film Sales

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Lebanon

"Ghadi" (غدي)

Dir: Amin Dora

Language: Arabic

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Fortissimo Films

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Lithuania

"The Gambler" (Lošėjas)

Dir: Ignas Jonynas

Language: Lithuanian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Wide

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Luxembourg

"Never Die Young"

Dir: Pol Cruchten

Language: French

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: EastWest Distribution

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MacEdonia

"To the Hilt" (До балчак)

Dir: Stole Popov

Language: Macedonian/French/English/ Turkish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Triangle Film- Skopje

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Malta

"Simshar"

Dir: Rebecca Cremona ♀

Language: Maltese

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Kukumajsa Productions

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Mauritania

"Timbuktu"

Dir: Abderrahmane Sissako

Language: French/Arabic/Bambara/English/Songhay/Tamasheq

U.S Distribution: Cohen Media Group

Isa: Le Pacte

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Mexico

"Cantinflas"

Dir: Sebastian del Amo

Language: Spanish/English

U.S Distribution: Pantelion Films

Isa: 6 Sales

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Moldova

"The Unsaved" (La Limita de Jos a Cerului)

Dir: Igor Cobileanski

Language: Romanian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Insomnia World Sales Trailer

Montenegro

"The Boys from Marx and Engels Street" (Djecaci iz ulice Marksa i Engelsa)

Dir: Nikola Vukcevic

Language: Serbian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Artikulacija Production

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Morocco

"The Red Moon" (القمر الأحمر)

Dir: Hassan Benjelloun

Language: Arabic

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Bentaqerla

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Nepal

"Jhola" (झोला)

Dir: Yadav Kumar Bhattarai

Language: Nepali

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Media for Culture

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The Netherlands

"Accused" (Lucia de B.)

Dir: Paula van der Oest ♀

Language: Dutch

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Fortissimo Films

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New Zealand

"The Dead Lands"

Dir: Toa Fraser

Language: Maori

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Xyz Films

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Norway

"1001 Grams" (1001 Gram)

Dir: Bent Hamer

Language: Norwegian/French/ English

U.S Distribution: Kino Lorber

Isa: Les Films du Losange

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Pakistan

"Dukhtar" (دختر، بیٹی)

Dir: Afia Nathaniel ♀

Language: Urdu

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Zambeel Films

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Palestine

"Eyes of a Thief" (عيون الحراميه)

Dir: Najwa Najjar ♀

Language: Arabic

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Ustura Films Trailer

Panama

"Invasion" (Invasión)

Dir: Abner Benaim

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Apertura Films Trailer

Peru

"The Gospel of the Flesh" (El Evangelio de la Carne)

Dir: Eduardo Mendoza de Echave

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: La Soga Producciones

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The Philippines

"Norte, the End of History" (Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan)

Dir: Lav Diaz

Language: Tagalog/English

U.S Distribution: The Cinema Guild

Isa: M-Appeal World Sales

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Poland

"Ida"

Dir: Pawel Pawlikowski

Language: Polish

U.S Distribution: Music Box Films

Isa: Portobello Film Sales

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Portugal

"What Now? Remind Me" (E Agora? Lembra-me)

Dir: Joaquim Pinto

Language: Portuguese

U.S Distribution: The Cinema Guild

PC: C.R.I.M Productions

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Romania

"The Japanese Dog" (Câinele Japonez)

Dir: Tudor Cristian Jurgiu

Language: Romanian/Japanese

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: M-Appeal World Sales

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Russia

"Leviathan" (Левиафан)

Dir: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Language: Russian

U.S Distribution: Sony Pictures Classics

Isa: Pyramide International

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Serbia

"See You in Montevideo" (Montevideo, vidimo se!)

Dir: Dragan Bjelogrlic

Language: Serbian/Spanish/ English

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Intermedia Network

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Singapore

"Sayang Disayang"

Dir: Sanif Olek

Language: Malay/Indonesian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: ReelJuice

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Slovakia

"A Step Into the Dark" (Krok do tmy)

Dir: Miloslav Luther

Language: Slovak

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Trigon Production Trailer

Slovenia

"Seduce Me" (Zapelji me)

Dir: Marko Santic

Language: Slovenian

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Radio-Television Slovenia

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South Africa

"Elelwani"

Dir: Ntshaveni Wa Luruli

Language: Venda

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: EastWest FilmDistribution

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South Korea

"Haemoo" (해무)

Dir: Sung Bo Shim

Language: Korean

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Finecut

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Spain

"Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed" (Vivir es fácil con los ojos cerrados)

Dir: David Trueba

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: Outsider Pictures

Isa: 6 Sales

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Sweden

"Force Majeure" (Turist)

Dir: Ruben Östlund

Language: Swedish/English

U.S Distribution: Magnolia Pictures

Isa: Coproduction Office (Paris)

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Switzerland

"The Circle" (Der Kreis)

Dir: Stefan Haupt

Language: Swiss German/ German/ French

U.S Distribution: Wolfe Video

Isa: Wide House

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Taiwan

"Ice Poison" (冰毒)

Dir: Midi Z.

Language: Burmese/Chinese

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Flash Forward Enterteinment

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Thailand

"The Teacher's Diary" (คิดถึงวิทยา)

Dir: Nithiwat Tharathorn

Language: Thai

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Gth

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Turkey

"Winter Sleep" (Kis uykusu)

Dir: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Language: Turkish/English

U.S Distribution: Adopt Films

Isa: Memento Films International

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Ukraine

"The Guide" (Поводир)

Dir: Oles Sanin

Language: Ukrainian/Russia/English

U.S Distribution: None Yet

PC: Pronto Film

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United Kingdom

"Little Happiness" (Uzun Yol)

Dir: Nihat Seven

Language: Turkish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: 7&7 Producers' Sales Services

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Uruguay

"Mr. Kaplan"

Dir: Álvaro Brechner

Language: Spanish

U.S Distribution: None Yet

Isa: Memento Films International

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Venezuela

"The Liberator" (Libertador)

Dir: Alberto Arvelo

Language: Spanish/English/ French

U.S Distribution: Cohen Media Group

Isa: Mundial

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Chaitanya Tamhane’s “Court”

Zurich Film Festival will showcase a package of 12 Indian features and six shorts under “New World View” section in its 10th edition that runs from September 25- October 5, 2014. The package includes latest Indian films like Chaitanya Tamhane’s Venice “Lion of the future” winner Court and recent festival favourites like Anand Gandhi’s Ship of Theseus and Kanu Behl’s Titli.

Apart from features, a package of shorts curated by Swiss short film festival Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur will be on display as well. The package has six shorts made by: Anurag Goswami , Varun Chawla , Hossein Mozdgir Roozane , Rodd Rathjen , Payal Kapadia and Gitanjali Rao.

Here is the complete list of feature films to be screened at the festival:-

Court by Chaitanya Tamhane

Fandry by Nagraj Manjule

Gulabi Gang by Nishtha Jain

I.D by Kamal K.M.

Katiyabaaz by Deepti Kakkar and Fahad Mustafa

Liar’s Dice...

The Chicago South Asian Film Festival, to be held between September 18th and 21st, will open with Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice. The film has Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Geetanjali Thapa in lead roles and was screened at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout will be the centerpiece film of the festival. Agneya Singh’s M Cream will be screened as the Friday night feature. Rajat Kapoor’s Ankhon Dekhi will close the Festival on Sunday evening.

Here is the complete lineup of the festival:

A Boy Called Boris (Director: Ashok Vish): World Premiere; Short Film; United States; Max Kolby, Brian Gildea, Jose Amor

Algorithms (Director: Ian McDonald): U.S. Premiere; Documentary; India

Ankhon Dekhi (Director: Rajat Kapoor): Chicago Premiere; Feature; India; Sanjay Mishra, Rajat Kapoor, Seema Pahwa

Are You Listening! – Shunte Ki Pao! (Director: Kamar Ahmad Simon): U.S. Premiere...

The inaugural edition of International Film Festival of Colombo, the first major international film festival to be held in Sri Lanka, will screen a special package of Indian films curated by DearCinema.

The festival, to be held from September 2-7, is being organized by the Directors’ Guild of Sri Lanka with the support of Okinawa International Movie Festival in Japan.

The package comprises of award-winning and festival-favourite Indian films like Kanu Behl’s Titli, Avinash Arun’s Killa, Anup Singh’s Qissa, Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry, Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice, Kaushik Ganguly’s Apur Panchali, Jahnu Barua’s Ajeyo, Shilpa Ranade’s The World of Goopi and Bagha and Rajeev Ravi’s Annayum Rasoolam.

Kanu Behl, Avinash Arun, Nagraj Manjule, Geethu Mohandas, Kaushik Ganguly, Jahnu Barua, Shilpa Ranade and Rajeev Ravi will be in attendance at the festival. Actors Geetanjali Thapa (Liar’s Dice) and Rasika Dugal (Qissa) will...

Starting in a remote village on the Indo-Tibetan border and finishing in downtown Delhi, Geethu Mohandas’ low budget Hindi film is essentially a game of road trip chess. Deception and evasion are key, but this sociopolitical tale underwhelms more than it thrills, despite an intense performance from Bollywood veteran Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Kamala (Geetanjali Thapa) hasn’t heard a peep from her husband since he left to work on a construction site in Delhi five months earlier. As paranoia and worry begin to suffocate, she leaves her snowy surroundings in search of an answer. With no one to look after her Russian doll-like daughter Manya (Manya Gupta), the three-year-old bundle of joy joins her mother’s weary journey, bringing along her impeccably well-behaved baby goat.

The early stages of their passage unexpectedly introduce them to rucksack-sporting army deserter, Nawazuddin (Siddiqui): a mysterious presence who continually offers his assistance. Similarly to Kamala,...

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Geetanjali Thapa in Geetu Mohan Das’ “Liar’s Dice” which won the award for best film at the New York Indian Film Festival 2014

In a remote village, far away from Delhi, Kamala fails to hear back from her husband for five months. He is in the city for work, toiling on the constructions sites that have become the hallmark of the capital’s expansion. When his cell phone is quiet for some time and when the village elders ask for more patience, Kamala sets out to find her husband on her own. Taking her 5-year old daughter Manya and a lamb along for the long journey, she is a lone woman on a long trek in an unknown territory. She meets Nawazuddin (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an army deserter. They are trapped together in the only available option of a trip to the city. He is a drifter and...

Liar’s Dice by Geethu Mohandas won the Best Film at the New York Indian Film Festival 2014. The films nominated were: Astu, Fandry, Goynar Baksho and Ugly.

Nagraj Manjule won the Best Director for Fandry. In this category, the nominations were Anurag Kashyap (Ugly), Aparna Sen (Goynar Baksho), Buddhadeb Dasgupta (Sniffer) and Gajendra Ahire (Postcard).

Naseeruddin Shah won the Best Actor for The Coffin Maker while the award for Best Actress went to Geetanjali Thapa for Liar’s Dice.

Nishtha Jain’s Gulabi Gang won the Best Documentary. The award for Best Short went to Blouse by Vijayeta Kumar.

The 14th New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff) was held from May 5-10, 2014.

This coming week the oldest and largest Indian film festival in North America will inundate the cultural fabric of New York City with award-winning, cutting-edge and entertaining films from the Indian subcontinent.

The New York Indian Film Festival, now in its fourteenth edition, is set to screen more than 40 films—features, short narratives and documentaries—from at least four South Asian countries. Organized by the Indo-American Arts Council, the week-long festival will mark the New York premiere screening of director-producer Anurag Kashyap’s widely admired thriller Ugly. It will be the second time for Kashyap at the festival, whose film Gangs of Wasseypur was the closing night film two years ago.

This time the closing film is acclaimed Bengali auteur Aparna Sen’s Goynar Baksho (The Jewelry Box), a film based on a novel of the same name. The centerpiece film is Malayalam director Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice – which...

A still from Sulemani Keeda

The 14th New York Indian Film Festival, to take place from 5-10 May, has unveiled its full line-up of films which comprises of a mix of 23 narrative features and 11 documentaries.

Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly is set to open the festival while Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice will be the centerpiece film. The festival will also present a retrospective of Gurinder Chaddha’s documentaries and will close with Aparna Sen’s Goynar Baksho.

Karan Bali’s 80 minute documentary, An American in Madras, based on American-born filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan’s travails in the Tamil film industry will get a screening alongside the recently released Gulabi Gang by Nishtha Jain.

Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry, Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar’s Astu and Gajendra Ahire’s Postcard are the three Marathi features which will screen at the festival. Assamese feature As The River Flows (Ekhon Nodir Xipare), by Bidyut Kotoky,...

Kaafiron Ki Namaaz

Kaafiron Ki Namaaz (The Virgin Arguments), an independent feature film directed by Ram Ramesh Sharma, has been selected in the International Competition section of the 15th Jeonju International Film Festival to be held in South Korea from 1- 10 May.

Scheduled to have its international premiere at the festival, Kaafiron Ki Namaaz is a thriller that tells the story of three men- a recently court-martialed army officer, a writer and his camera assistant- who have a dramatic conversation as the camera assistant becomes a mute spectator to what turns out to be a chilling meeting between the two.

Debutante director Ram Ramesh Sharma studied Cinematography in Whistling Woods International Film School. The film has been produced by Bhargav Saikia, under his banner Lorien Motion Pictures, set up in 2011.

Geethu Mohandas’ Liar’s Dice will also be screened at Jeonju, out of competition.

Started in 2000 in South Korea, Jeonju...

The New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff) announced the full lineup last night for their 14th year of celebrating independent, art house, alternate, and Diaspora films from/about/connected to the Indian subcontinent (May 5 – 10) at the SoHo Tiffin Junction. Dedicated to bringing these films to a New York audience, the festival will feature 34 screenings (23 narrative, 11 documentary) –all seen for the first time in New York City.

The festival highlights various cinemas of India’s different regions – Marathi, Bengali and two films from the Northeast. In addition the festival covers cinemas from the neighboring South Asian countries – four films by Pakistani filmmakers, two from Sri Lanka – a feature and a documentary, and one from Nepal.

The festival’s Marathi films include Postcard and multiple-award winning films Astu and Fandry. Directed by Nagraj Manjule, Fandry received rave reviews in India, winning the grand jury prize at the Mumbai Film Festival in October...

Organisers at the New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff) have announced the full line-up for the 14th annual event.

Selections include Postcard, Astu and Fandry (pictured).

“We are thrilled to be able to share this film with New York audiences,” said festival director Aseem Chhabra. “Fandry is, in my book, perhaps the best film made in India in 2013.”

As previously announced, Anurag Kashyap’s tale of corruption and systemic violence Ugly and Aparna Sen’s adaptation of Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s multi-generational story Goynar Baksho bookend the festival. Geethu Mohandas’ quest film Liar’s Dice is the centerpiece screening.

The festival runs from May 5-10. For the full line-up click here.