FREMONT, CA: The debut of the San Francisco Global Movie Festival was an additional attraction of the 22nd Festival of India and Parade, on the occasion of India’s sixty eighth Independence Day celebrations, organized by the Federation of Indian Americans (FIA). The brainchild of FIA Chairman Dr Romesh Japra and Co-Chairman Rajesh Verma, this grand movie festival was successfully manned by a huge team of volunteers.
The event aimed to include a larger cross-section of the global community by offering a selection of the best independent short films from all over the globe. Nominations in the categories of Narrative Short, Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Bay Area Film Initiative and South Asian Panorama were screened mostly at Towne 3 Cinemas in San Jose for the duration of the weekend. An accomplished jury of Bollywood and Hollywood personalities were tasked with the selection of winners in each of several categories.
The star studded opening night, a red carpet reception, multicultural performances, and welcome of dignitaries was rounded off with the world premiere screening of the Hollywood dark comedy, “Last Supper” in the ornate and stately venue of the California Theatre in San Jose.
The director, Dr Parampal Gill, a filmmaker from California, achieved the unique distinction of volunteering two movies for world premiere at this festival, one of which was a Hollywood dramedy, and the other, a Bollywood action packed drama, “Death of Amar”. Two entirely different films intended for two entirely different audiences. Such a feat has never been accomplished by a single director in any other movie festival in the world!
Some notable celebrities that graced with their presence were Hollywood comedy legend Eddie Griffin, Yves Bright and Najara Townsend and Natalie Miranda, all of whom starred in Last Supper, deemed the Best Film of the Festival, to be released worldwide on Thanksgiving, 2014.
The chemistry between the cast and director was palpable, and Eddie Griffin, recognized as the Best Actor, was his usual comic self, who interacted jocularly with the attendees, adding charm to the evening. Dr Gill mentioned that one of the challenges on the set was to get Eddie to refrain from being a comic, and emoting his lunatic character who hopes to rescue a princess in his mind’s romantic vision.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Najarra, recipient of the Best Actress award, who laughed and said that she enjoyed working with Eddie, and had to get back in character of the “princess”; in reality, a hooker who was rescued from wanting to end her own life. Yves Bright, playing the role of the doctor who certifies the lunacy of the main characters, also voiced the positive experience with the cast and director, and that he would be willing to work with them again.
Natalie, who portrays an eight year old, liked being in the spotlight, and having hair and makeup done.
Another filmmaker who was showcased in the South Asian Panorama, was Barkhaa Roy, who held her own as the force behind the documentary feature, “My Friend Hussain”, based on the life and work of the renowned artist, M.F. Hussain. She has been known as the sister of Reena Roy, the actress of multiple successful movies, but now presents herself as a passionate story teller about a man she held in great esteem.
A dear friend, who she promised to make a film with; a promise she realized posthumously with pleasing results. It was a tribute to the greatness of the man, the artist, the family head, and an incurable romantic, told through fond remembrances of friends and colleagues. Barkhaa, a very warm personality, has even included a moving song to bring to life the vibrant personality of this great artist.
In addition, she unveiled a collection of original paintings of Hussain, along with a book launch with the same title as the movie, which recounts in words and pictures some of what is included in the movie. While this movie is banned in India, it has won the Dada Saheb Phalke award given by the Academy of the same name, and was intended for the US market.
A notable entry, “Identity Card” soon to be released in India, on August 20th, presented a slice of the reality of life in Kashmir, as depicted in the situation of three hapless young people who are picked up by Special Task Force (STF) personnel on suspicion of terrorism. The story showing one day spent in the police cell highlights myths about religion, the situation of a common man in the midst of a warlike situation, the struggles of police personnel, and a changed outlook towards the end on part of all.
The credible performances by the small cast, tight direction by Rahat Kazmi and the backdrop of scenic Kashmir tell a compelling story that keeps the attention until the unexpected end. Prashantt Gupta, a brilliant performer, a product of New York now transplanted in Mumbai, was thrilled to be awarded the Best Supporting Actor for his role as a Kashmiri policeman. He shared that the situations in the movie were based on events that happened to the people known to the director, and portrayed authenticity.
His candid expectations for the film’s success rely on good marketing. Interestingly, Dr Gill shared that this movie is mandatory watching for Kashmiri police and armymen, and Kashmir is reopening its movie theaters to screen this movie. It has done a great job of sensitizing the American audience to the reality played out in this part of the world.
The movie “Death of Amar” was in stark contrast to the Hollywood entry by Dr Gill, who remarked that this is intended for an entirely different audience, which was obvious from the get go. A fast paced action thriller, loosely reminiscent of a Hollywood creation, “Crank”, centers on the life…and imminent death by poisoning of the central character, Amar.
He has a day left in his life to figure out why he was poisoned and by whom. All manners of thrill, and action, laced with some underworld drama unfold and keep the audience guessing until the final twist in the plot. In a conversation, Dr Gill shared that he was extremely pleased with the outcome of the movie festival, and is looking forward to next year, with an even more impressive global selections and star presence.
He pointed out that the mindset of the Alternative Art Cinema, commonly associated with festival screenings, has mingled with commercial cinema made with a target audience in mind. The $100,000 award he has received for his directorial excellence will fund his next venture, which will be a Bollywood production.
Entries from multiple other countries, such as Russia, U.S., Chile, Peru, China, Taiwan shared the stage and were united by the common thread of being independent films, yet representing the nuances and intrigues of the country of origin. Each had a unique story to tell, and were well received and each contribution duly recognized.
Archana Asthana
India Post News Service
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