NEW DELHI: More than 25 films and documentaries are to be screened during the eight days of the Indian Film Festival at Filmhuis Den Haag and Theater Dakota in the Hague.
The programme will go beyond the classic Bollywood films, stir debate and present a realistic picture of today’s India in all of its colour and diversity. The festival audience will have a wide choice of contemporary film by a number of independent directors from India and the diaspora.
The Festival being held for the fourth time will take place from 22 to 29 October includes the screening of the 3D version of the classic ‘Sholay’ directed by Ramesh Sippy. The Indian Film Festival The Hague is part of Holland India Festivals The Hague.
Highlights of the festival include the opening film ‘Traces of Sandalwood’ by Maria Ripoll on 22 October. The film set in Mumbai and Barcelona recently won the Audience Award during the Montreal World Film Festival 2014.
Other highlights include the documentary ‘Without Shepherds’ as well as the dramas ‘With You, Without You’ (Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka) and ‘Vara: A Blessing’, the short animation ‘True Love Story’ and the documentary ‘Tropical Amsterdam’.
The festival will also feature visits by Indian film directors and producers.
The photography exhibition ‘Bhopal: Facing 30’ by Francesca Moore portrays the site of the 1984 Bhopal disaster and those affected 30 years on. The expo can be seen in the Filmhuis.
Other side events include a ‘Cinemas of India’ seminar at Leiden University, a panel discussion on the cinemas of India, a lecture for children on tigers (in Dutch), an India Dance Festival film programme, a cooking class and a yoga workshop. There will be a workshop for children on animation during the Festival.
These films originate from various regions in India, each with their own language and culture. The Festival this year will also have some films from the neighbouring countries Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as films that are set in both India and Europe.
A number of these films reflect on the lives of women who manage to break through the traditional barriers that restrict them in many ways. Another film shows the brave efforts of the young Dalits – the ‘Untouchables’ – who no longer accept their inferior position in society.
The festival this year will expand to film theatres in Amstelveen, Eindhoven, Hertogenbosch and Utrecht. This makes it possible for more people to marvel at the beauty of Indian cinema. Different kinds of multiple screening passes make it possible for film lovers to enjoy as many films as possible.
