The focus of Indian cinema has always been primarily inward, but over the last few years things seem to be changing. Time to explore the Indian genre films of 2013 in the sidebar programme
Imagine Film Festival
8 to 17 April 2013 in EYE, Amsterdam
www.imaginefilmfestival.nl
Bollywood, the largest film industry in the world, has never really managed to gain a foothold in the West, unlike Chinese, Japanese or Korean cinema. Judging by the popularity of Indian genre films at Western festivals though, it looks as if things are slowly changing. Indian commercial cinema finds itself at an interesting crossroads: will it remain focused inwards, or will it try to reach out to a worldwide audience? That question prompted Imagine to start exploring the state of Indian cinema in the year 2013. The sidebar programme BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND will show three major commercial films, one small, independent production and two documentaries.
In 2009, Jennifer Lynch was asked to come to India to shoot Hisss, about a snake which turns into a woman who again turns into a snake. As depicted frankly and hilariously by the documentary Despite the Gods by Penny Vozniak, the adventure ended in total disaster. Lynch had to deal with cultural and religious differences, persistent rain, the Indian work ethic and pushy crowds. As well as being a personal story, the film also provides an insight into the day-to-day business of making a Bollywood film.
A totally different side of the industry can be seen in Supermen of Malegaon, in which two poor but determined men set out to make a superhero movie. This documentary is not just a charming tale of two dreamers; it also paints a picture of the poverty in India, the escapist film culture and the connection between the two.
The cartoonish action comedy Rowdy Rathore is Bollywood at its most insane: family drama, slapstick, brute violence, romance and musical interludes, this film has it all. It’s a typical example of a current Bollywood film as well, and the kind of film that also catches on with Western audiences.
In addition to the titles mentioned above, Imagine will show two more major films, counterbalanced with one small, independent production. The titles of those films will be revealed at a later date.
Despite The Gods– Penny Vozniak (Australia 2012)
Supermen of Malegaon– Faiza Achmad Khan (India/Singapore 2008/2012)
Rowdy Rathore– Prabhudheva (India 2012)
IMAGINE FILM FESTIVAL
Approx. 70 long and short films, Night of Terror, European Fantastic Shorts,
Anime, Masterclass, panel debates and Q&A’s
Sidebar programme: BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND
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