JIO MAMI – DAY6 AND 7.
written by Souranath Banerjee
Every good thing in this world comes to an end and so did the JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival.
Featuring 200 films from over 35 countries and this is what the last two days of the festival had in store for me.
Day 6 (4nd NOV)
The first film that was waiting for me on the sixth day of the festival was Haraamkhor (2015). A very interesting film to start the day.
Directed by debutant Shlok Sharma, a film that though gives an impression of light comedy (specially looking at it’s poster) but then it’s not.
A few comic moments here and there, but essentially the film is based on the illicit relationship between a teacher and his student and it’s brutally realistic.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is as usual the heart of the film, his acting skills are currently the best in the Indian film industry and we all know it. But Shweta Tripathi is one actress to look forward to. She is brilliant in the film and has all the potential of becoming a great actress.
And then there was this animated gem of a beautiful film called Belladonna of Sadness (1973).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdp85x9d0A4
A peasant woman who has a pact with the devil and challenges the social norms!
Directed by genius Eiichi Yamamoto, a master of visual art and animation.
A film that is considered to be as a classic and why not? Extraordinary visuals and spectacular color play, powerful erotic imagery and a very thin narrative structure.
A must watch for people who are more into visual arts and animation.
And then there was The Club (2015).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqv8PPDfiyw
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this is both an innovative and a disturbing film.
In a Chilean beach town, the disgraced priests and nuns (suspected of crimes in their past) are sent to stay in a house. And then one day a crisis counselor comes in and everything changes!
Beautiful images and great acting, a terrific story that is too real and hard hitting at times. Something that lasts an impact on you.
And the day ended with a superb film called Mia Madre (2015) aka My Mother.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWiFif96t3Y
Directed by Nanni Moratti, this one is a film so sensitive and emotional that it makes you miss your own mother/parents.
A film director whose mother in in the hospital, and in-between her busy schedule she visits her and try to comfort her.
Brilliant performances by Margherita Buy, Nanni Moretti, Giulia Lazzaroni and some well deserved comic reliefs by John Turturro – a film that that is complete in it’s own unique way.
Day 7 (5nd NOV)
On the last day i watched the only 3D animated film in the festival, Monster Hunt (2015).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR6JRIlf1jM
The monster’s world and the human’s world collide and two humans become responsible to protect a baby monster (the future monster king).
The film boasts of awesome animation and superb use of VFX.
Directed by Raman Hui, this Chinese animated film reminded me of my all time favorite film Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).
A bit kiddish of course but a good watch.
And then, there was this soulful film Ottal (2014) aka Trap.
Directed by Jayaraj, this one is about a poor, young boy whose grandfather wants him to study and become somebody respectable.
But instead of going to a school, the boy ends up as a child worker in a distant town away from the love and protection of his grandfather.
The film is the voice of thousands of such children who are illegally being forced to work under inhuman conditions.
Well, this ends the spectacular journey of films and also the JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival. I was glad to be a part of it and will eagerly wait for it the next year.
Thank you.
Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com, www.ibnlive.com, isammakesstuff.tumblr.com, www.cinenews.be.
Mexico and drugs has a long tragic history that needs a resolution. But neither the police nor the military does anything to help.
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The film tells us of the dystopian future where single people are officially taken to The Hotel, where they have to find a romantic partner within forty-five days or else they are transformed into their favorite choice of beasts!
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Directed by legendary cinematographer/filmmaker 
shot films like 
Class barriers become visible when there is a new arrival of a person in the house, specially if that person is the young attractive girl of the house-keeper.
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understand 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.
Directed by 
Ludo 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!’
Again, it was great being an audience in this interactive session with the films cast and crew.
“We feel it is the need of the hour to disseminate and inculcate good cinema among Indian audiences” (-1997).
Ever since it’s foundation, the non-profit seeking organization has been successful in bringing us the best of both Indian and World cinema every single year.
And of course, thanks to Co-Chairperson Nita M.Ambani and Uday Shankar, the CEO of Star India for making 29 October to 5th November 2015 (the festival dates) a blessing for all film lovers in Mumbai.
A total of over 200 films from over 35 countries, and on top of that special workshops and interactive sessions taken by renowned film-makers the likes of 
Link for the film schedule at www.mumbaifilmfestival.com.