Tag Archives: Face to Face: Images / Reflections

JIO MAMI – DAY 3 (Cinemas and interactive sessions)

JIO MAMI – Day 3 (Cinemas and interactive sessions)

written by Souranath Banerjee

JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival, 200 films from over 35 countries – it’s happening right now, right here and it’s a heaven for film lovers.

A brief description of the cinemas i have watched on the third day of the festival and also some exclusive snaps from the brilliant interactive sessions with film makers.

 

Day 3 (1st NOV)

My third day in MAMI starts with The Assassin (2015), beautiful Chinese cinema with breathtaking visuals.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFtNsQ78oI

assassin-posterDirected by Hsiao-Hsien Hou, who already won the best director at the Cannes Film Festival for this film!

As the name suggests, it’s the story of an assassin, whose conscience often comes in-between the path of her ruthless missions.

Set in 7th century China, the film is brilliantly shot by Ping Bin Lee.

Powerful performances by Qi ShuChen ChangSatoshi Tsumabuki, a film that needs your patience (as it’s slow paced) but it’s definitely worth the time.

 

The second film, my favorite film of the day is called Jafar Panahi’s Taxi (2015).

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM2tblIkL4g

TAXI-posterDirected by Jafar Panahi (of course), the Iranian director has taken up the challenge to make his new film even after a 20-year-ban was imposed on him that restricts him from making any movies in Iran.  

So, becoming a taxi driver he shot a brilliant satirical comedy that reflects the socio-political scenario of his country.

The innovativeness of the film and the natural performances by all the actors have made this a very enjoyable taxi ride indeed.

 

And then there was Girish Kasaravalli‘s documentary on one of the most prolific film makers of India, Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

It’s called  Face to Face: Images / Reflections.

The film is not like any other documentary where simply a rally of questions and answers continue mostly praising the film maker’s talent and career.

With this particular film Girish Kasarvalli have genuinely tried to MAMI-AdoorGirish-Pic1understand the thought process of Mr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan while he makes his masterpieces. Being one of the most intellectual mind of our country, Adoor Sir explains through this film his process of thinking and planning before he sets out to make cinema.

And a rare chance to meet the legends as well, as there was the interactive session after the film screening: Girish Kasarvalli in Conversation with Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

A pleasure to be just a part of the audience and honored to interact with the two masters of Indian Cinema.

 

And the last but not the least, the day ended with a very unusual film called Ludo (2015).

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJrYWZDF2Es

LUDO-posterDirected by Qaushiq Mukherjee (Q) and Nikon, the film is a horror flick and probably the most gory film ever made in India.

With great performances by Rii and an unexpected cameo by Tillotama Shome, the film is a good experiment of horror and gore within a very small budget. But unfortunately, for me, the film remains as an experiment only.

MAMI-Ludo-Pic2Ludo is best described by Q himself when he along with the cast of the film takes a round of questions from the audience after the screening – according to him ‘it’s the story of four teenagers who plans to get laid but are fucked instead!’

MAMI-Ludo-Pic1Again, it was great being an audience in this interactive session with the films cast and crew.

A day very well spent, full of enjoyable cinema and great chance of interactions with some of the best film makers of our country.

 

If you want to join me in this exciting journey of the best Cinemas from around the world – just get a registration and hop in. If you love Cinema JIO MAMI is the place to be.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comblog.thefilmstage.comfilmmakermagazine.comfilmschoolrejects.com