JIO MAMI – DAY4 AND 5.
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 fourth and fifth day of the happening festival and also some exclusive snaps from the brilliant interactive sessions with film makers.
Day 4 (2nd NOV)
The first film of the day was relatively light hearted film, Umrika (2015).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APUyXR_WBIg
Sure Sharma (from Life of Pi), Tony Revolori (from The Grand Budapest Hotel) and Prateik – all gave decent performances.
Directed by Prashant Nair, this film is a sarcastic take on Indians who have a general tendency to settle in Umrika (America of course).
A boy from a small Indian village goes to Umrika and the film is an aftermath of what happened to his family, specially about his younger brother’s struggle to find out the truth behind his brother’s journey.
The second one was Cartel Land (2015), a documentary on ‘El Doctor’, a physician who united common people and fought against the drug mafia.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkYBbBK0qoM
Mexico and drugs has a long tragic history that needs a resolution. But neither the police nor the military does anything to help.
Directed by Matthew Heinemann, the doc-drama tells the intense story of how the local people formed their own army (under Dr. Jose Mireles’s leadership) and fought against the drug cartels.
Scenes of brutal violence shown to portray the actual terrible situation through which the people of Mexico suffer. A hard hitting and very realistic documentary indeed.
And then there was Anomalisa (2015), a rare gem of a film.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_1qk6kRw28
Won several awards in many international festivals including the Grand Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Directed by Duke Johnson and the genius Charlie Kaufman, a film that speaks so much about human emotions and that too in such subtle manner.
Stop-motion animation is used to it’s maximum limits and the film is also such a visual treat.
So brilliantly soulful and thoughtful and kind of melancholic in it’s own comic way – undoubtedly one of the best movie in this year’s Mumbai Film Festival.
And the day ended with another stroke of brilliance, called the The Lobster (2015).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_NcqD-Gfs
Already won the jury award and nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival!
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!
Colin Farrell, Ben Whishaw, John C. Reilly, Léa Seydoux and Rachel Weisz at their very best.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, a film so rich in dark humor and sarcasm, it’s about human tendencies and speaks volume about our basic human nature. But all that wrapped in comedy.
Day 5 (3rd NOV)
My fifth day started with a sensitive Bengali film, known as Peace Haven (2014).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DB33EVnQmQ
Directed by Suman Ghosh, the film is about three elderly men in their 70s (who are good friends too) planning to build a mortuary for themselves. And in the process of searching for a place they seem to understand the meanings of life and death.
Soumitra Chatterjee, Paran Banerjee and Arun Mukherjee all at their very best. A film that is entertaining as well as though provoking.
Next in the line was a unique documentary Hong Kong Trilogy: Preschooled Preoccupied Preposterous (2015)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO1Fodr71HA
Directed by legendary cinematographer/filmmaker Christopher Doyle.
It’s the director’s take on his favorite city Hong Kong told by three generations of people – the ‘preschooled’ children, ‘preoccupied’ young people, and ‘preposterous’ senior citizens!
A cinematic way of showing the ideas and opinions of people who collectively become the voice of a city. A film that makes a strong statement indeed.
And then, the best part of the day, the interactive session with Christopher Doyle himself!
A genius with such inspiring words and brilliant mind. The man who 
shot films like Hero, In the Mood for Love, and Chungking Express, the person who created poetry through his visuals – none other than the humorous and humble Christopher Doyle.
He narrated his experiences with different directors (including Kar Wai Wong and M. Night Shyamalan), who among them have influenced him and pushed him harder to create magic with his camera.
I am honored and thrilled to shake hands and interact with such a living legend. Respect!
And finally the last film of the day, The Second Mother (2015).
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXtkQitLmss
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.
Directed by 
Anna Muylaert, a simple theme, perfect script and exceptional acting.
A film that comments on lot of social prejudices but in a subtle and intelligent manner.
Regina Casé is one actress who deserves many awards for her performance.
Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com, blogs.indiewire.com, tube.hk.
