Margarita with a Straw

My Big Fat Bride

 NYIFF’s Cinema Menu: Love, Loss, Laughter and Life….

What would be a filmiholic’s idea of heaven? A week full of back-to-back viewings of the most intriguing films, a mixed bag of drama, suspense, comedy and chills – by some of the most noted directors in Indian cinema. Think Vishal Bhardwaj, Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam, Aparna Sen, Hansal Mehta and Shonali Bose. Then there is the joy of seeing the work of so many regional filmmakers as well as getting to know so many new directors. Lots of films by Indian-American filmmakers too, including ‘Miss India America’ and ‘Meet the Patels’.

All this is happening at the upcoming New York Indian Film Festival with over 30 films, 30 alternate worlds to get lost in. You’ll find love, loss, laughter – and life.

The big bonus is that many of the filmmakers and actors will be in the same room, sharing their thoughts and experiences with you. Opening night showcases ‘Margarita with a Straw’, the award-winning and much acclaimed film by Shonali Bose, who along with co-director Nilesh Maniyar, actors Kalki Koechlin and Sayani Gupta will be there in person. That should be a discussion worth listening in on!

Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Haider’

Haider

Maqbool, Omkara and Haider

Vishal Bhardwaj is noted for his Shakespearean-based trilogy set in contemporary India: ‘Maqbool’, ‘Omkara’, and ‘Haider’. His films have premiered at both the Cannes Film Festival as well as the Busan International Film Festival. Here’s a chance to see all three and sit in on a discussion about adapting Shakespeare to the Hindi screen.

Aparna Sen’s ‘Saari Raat’ is the Centerpiece film and the noted director will be there in person. You can always expect the unexpected from her and this film is a part of ZEE’s Peace Project which aims to bring together film makers, cultural exponents and thought leaders of both the neighboring nations of India and Pakistan on a single platform to facilitate an apolitical exchange environment of peace and harmony.

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