The snaking lines outside the auditoriums, the huge audience turnout, several congratulations and encouragements from filmmakers and celebrities present, gripping discussions and q/a sessions marked the final day of the festival.
Queue outside the auditorium
Screened in the morning were films and documentaries like Missed Call, Long After,Sari (W)rap,Crossing Lines , My Daughter the Terrorist and Dussehra, which completely captivated the audience. Dussehra, a hard-hitting film based on the taboo subject of incest, moved the audience. The young director of Dussehra, Jigyasa Sethi was present to answer audience questions, and was congratulated again and again by the viewers for the courage she displayed in making the film.
Jigyasa Sethi
Present too were Jamil Dehlavi, a Pakistani-French filmmaker from UK, along with lead actor Kevin Collins, with their award-winning explosive film InfiniteJustice. Jamil Dehlavi and Kevin Collins both talked about how important it is to talk to enemies rather than to friends, so as to look for a solution to the problems that give rise to terrorism and violence.
Kevin Collins and Jamil Dehlavi
Pancham Unmixed, an extraordinary documentary on the legendary R. D. Burman was a complete sell-out. After the fabulous film was screened, everyone went ga-ga, clapping and wiping their tears simultaneously, remembering Pancham and his music with fondness. The screening followed a lively Q and A session.
Among the other favorites were Kaal by Bappaditya Bandyopadhyay, A Home in the Sky by Bipin Nandkarni, The Lost Rainbow, and two evocative films about a different Afghanistan - Enemies of Happiness and Khub Asti Afghanistan.
The last screening of the day was Mistaken from Scotland by Sarmed Mirza. The filmmaker was present with this wonderful film, all shot in 9 days. The first ever South Asian film made in Scotland, Mistaken and Sarmed Mirza’s passion, energy and enthusiasm evident during the Q and A session charmed everyone.
20 September, day 1of the festival witnessed a record number of viewers for the screening of Kanchivaram (India) by Priyadarshan, Amal (Canada) by Richie Mehta and Kissing Cousins (USA) by Amyn Kaderali.
Throughout the two days, along with an exhilarated audience, the filmmakers also made it a point to watch each other’s films constantly and make the most of the experience.
Brahmanand Singh and Sarmed Mirza in a packed auditorium
At the start of the first day, while one theater played a bunch of fascinating short films, three young and talented Bangladeshi directors, Shariar Rahman, Zahid Sharif, Sharbari Ahmed were present at the other auditorium. Sharier and Zahid presented their first film Healing Life and Sharbari presented Aimee Undercover. The three filmmakers talked about their experiences and struggles as they tackled the complex subject of immigration and the American dream. At the same time, one couldn’t miss their passion for filmmaking and the determination to keep doing it, no matter what.
A great cinematic experience with a stunning performance by Prakash Raj, the screening of Kanchivaram was entirely sold out, especially because Prakash Raj himself was present for a question/ answer session with the audience.
Prakash Raj at the screeing of Kanchivaram
In the very interactive q/a session, Prakash Raj talked at length about this dream project of Priyadarshan and his experiences of being a part of what he described as a ‘very human story.”
Q and A session with Prakash Raj
Richie Mehta shared his experiences of making Amal and working with legendary actors like Naseeruddin Shah as well as the challenges of shoot on location at New Delhi.
Richie Mehta, as he talks about Amal
Amyn Kaderali was present with his excellent debut feature KissingCousins, a flawless hip film which was quite a hit among the young crowd. Amyn shared his experiences of completing the film in 3 weeks and how the film evolved into something even better than what he had conceived while he was shooting with the actors.
Q and A session with Amyn Kaderali
Rosemary Rawcliffe, director of WomeninTibet was present during the screening of the film, to talk about Tibet and her experiences of researching about some of the strongest and most dynamic Tibetan women in exile.
Through these daylong discussions, innumerable hours of watching films and the process of sharing and contributing to a mission to support independent films and filmmakers, as well as the encouragements that we received from the filmmakers and audience alike, NJISACF is confident that this is just the beginning of a movement.
The second year of the festival kicked off with a Gala Opening Evening dinner and cocktail at the Busch Campus Dining Hall, Rutgers University, Piscataway. The evening witnessed a packed house.
Brahmanand Singh in conversation with Sarmed mirza
Richie Mehta
Filmmaker Amyn Kaderali
Mr Sakti Sengupta, the festival director, introduced the festival as well as the guest filmmakers, and talked about the need for supporting such independent film festivals.
Mr Sakti Sengupta
As the Chief Guest, the versatile actor Prakash Raj stressed on the importance of the festival, congratulated and encouraged NJISACF to keep doing the great work, and promised to provide support from the Indian film industry for the coming years.
Prakash Raj, as he addresses the audience
This was followed by highlights from the NJISACF 2008 showcase with trailers from some films and introduction of the directors of the films to the gala opening guests.
Our sponsors, the Open Road Auto Group, EBC Radio and AVS were honored. Without their generous support the festival would not have been the way it was.
Open Road Auto Group being given the plaque by Prakash Raj
Kulraj Anand of EBC Radio with Prakash Raj
Out-of-the-world music played by Riyaaz was one of the highlights, and made the evening even more special.
13 feature films, 6 docu-features, 14 short films dealing with a broad range of themes like identity, sexuality, politics and religion - films that will entertain and make you think at the same time
13 exclusive US premieres, 11 East Coast premieres, and 10 more for the first time in NJ, films from Cannes, Slamdance, renowned film institutes and regional films
Intellectually stimulating discussions and a gathering of most talked-about and promising faces of South Asian cinema and eminent personalities
Kissing Cousins
Narrative Feature/ USA/2007/98min/ English
Director/Screenwriter: Amyn Kaderali
Cast: Samrat Chakrabarti, Rebecca Hazelwood, Gerry Bednob, Jaleel White NJ Premiere
AAIFF08 Narrative Feature Audience Award
Breathes new life into the tired romantic comedy genre
Amir is a “relationship termination specialist,” providing “dumping services” for disgruntled daters. In other words, he is a heartbreaker. Though Amir claims he is “just the messenger,” the job has made him hard-hearted and as a result, he is the last bachelor in his group of friends. So much so that his best friend no longer wants him to be the Best Man at his wedding because he wants someone with “better relationship karma.” Let down, Amir teams up with his attractive cousin Zara to fool his friends into believing he is capable of a relationship. Over time, Amir starts to soften from Zara’s influence and perhaps even begins to develop…feelings? An undercurrent of sexual tension develops between them as the charade comes dangerously close to going too far.
A veteran of short-form storytelling, director Kaderali infuses Kissing cousins with equal parts candor and comedy to craft a funny, touching portrait of a heart redeemed by love. – DesiClub.com
Narrative Feature/India// 2007/ 118min/ Bangla
Director: Bappaditya Bandyopadhyay US Premiere
Cairo Film Fest 08 Selection
Explores the plight of the contemporary prostitute as a worldly “employer” recruits the rural women into the world’s oldest profession
Our Time (Kaal) tackles the very relevant problem of human trafficking. The film documents the lives of four women - a music student, an illegal immigrant, a sister of a prostitute and a young widow - trapped in this insidious world. Betrayed in love and by their family members, they are forced into new lives in the city where their dreams must change. Things take a dramatic turn when a European woman, herself a victim of trafficking, begins sharing their apartment. Our Time is a fascinating, impassioned, multilayered look at lives torn asunder by the forces of globalization.
The infrastructure of the world’s oldest profession is dramatized and critiqued to compelling effect in the expansive Indian drama “Our Time…. Bappaditya Bandopadhyay’s viewpoint is clear, script avoids moralizing in favor of solid drama – Russell Edwards, variety.com
Read an exclusive interview of Bappaditya Bandyopadhyay here.
Docu Feature/Norway-Sri Lanka/ 2007/ 58 mins/ Tamil
Director: Beate Arnestad East Coast Premiere
Best Feature Length Documentary Film Award at the Message to Man International Film Festival
Deeply explores the single-mindedness, desperation, and mindset of cyanide capsule- carrying fighters
An exceedingly rare, inside look at an organization that most of the world has blacklisted as a terrorist group, the film offers important insights into the recently re-ignited conflict in Sri Lanka.
Twenty-four-year-olds Dharsika and Puhalchudar have been living and fighting side-by-side for seven years as part of LTTE’s elite force, the Black Tigers, as suicide bombers. Their story is told through cinema verité footage, newsreel footage, and interviews with the women and Dharsika’s mother.
Takes political documentary filmmaking a step further. - Susan Gerhard, SF360
Provides a rich insight into the women’s ideology, reasoning, and sometimes plain, even charming, naiveté. The strength of the film’s aesthetic is in its adherence to the mental and psychological point of view of these young women. - Dorit Naaman, Film Studies, Queens University
Official sponsor of NJISACF 08
Watch out for the complete list of films selected to be posted soon on our website, www.njisacf.org.
Online ticketing will be open soon on our website.
Volunteer/ Sponsor for NJISACF 08
To be a part of our enthusiastic gang and contribute to the success of this event, email volunteers@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236. Watch some of the latest and breathtaking South Asian films for free!
For Advertisements and Sponsorships to reach an audience of more than 2000 South Asians, email sponsors@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236
13 spectacular feature films, 6 stimulating and challenging docu-features, 14 stunning short films from US, Canada, India, UK, Ireland, Scotland, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Exquisite films by distinguished filmmakers and promising newcomers that will take your breath away
World and US premieres, films straight from Cannes and Slamdance, and renowned film institutes
All day film screenings, thought-provoking Q & A sessions with filmmakers and celebrities, gala opening night with cocktail and dinner
Grahanam (The Eclipse)
Narrative Feature/India/2007/93min/ Telugu
Writer and Director: Mohan Krishna Indraganti
Based on a story by GV Chalam
Cast: Tanikella Bharani, Jayalalitha NJ Premiere
Indira Gandhi National Award, Best Debut Director
A classic in black and white exploring the complexities in man-woman relationship
Based on the classic short story Doshagunam (The Disease) by the famous Telugu writer, Chalam, the shoestring budgeted Grahanam has won eleven major awards including the Indian National Award for Best Debut Director.
Beautifully scripted and crafted, Grahanam addresses and explores the consequences of blind belief and faith, and the complex way in which female sexuality is controlled in a patriarchal society.
Full of dramatic irony and poignancy… – Ylife, Canada
Mistaken
Narrative Feature/UK/103 min/ English
Director: Shahid Nadeem US Premiere
The first-ever feature film made by the South Asian diaspora in Scotland
One summer’s evening, the police burst into a Glaswegian Asian household. The son, Ali has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism. Between cops, hacks, mullahs and militants, Ali’s family discovers that all was not well with their son and their world descends into siege and nightmare. Meanwhile, Ali’s sister, Rukhsana refuses to comply with an arranged marriage, and neighbors send bricks through the windows. Yet not everybody is an enemy.
A fast-paced topical and thought-provoking experience…-myivillage.com, Edinburgh
Here is a preview of the film:
Woman in Burka
Narrative Short/USA/ 2008/ 20 min/ English
Writer & Director: Jonathan Lisecki
Cast: Sarita Choudhury, Sam Rockwell, Kerry Washington, Samantha Buck NJ Premiere
Spirit of Slamdance Award, Arizona Film Festival Merit Award
A lighthearted yet scathing look at racism in Hollywood.
This is a darkly comic look at an actress auditioning for Middle Eastern roles in a post-9/11 culture. Sarita is up for the coveted part of an Iraqi rape victim’s ghost in a new film. No one has seen the script or knows whether it’s a serious drama or a cheap horror movie, but everyone seems to think it’s perfect for her, including her best friend, her manager, and her ex. Will she be the Woman in Burka?
This movie is my anecdote of cultural insensitivity. My life has been full of situations like the ones in this film… – Sarita Chaudhury
The 2008 Slamdance Film Festival narrowed down more than 2,000 short films from around the world to 67 shorts set to compete for a Grand Jury Prize at the event next month. The selection with the highest star wattage is Jonathan Lisecki’s “Woman In Burka” – The Hollywood Reporter
Narrative Short/India/ 21 min/ Hindi, English
Director: Shyam Balsé
Best Director and Best Short Film awards at 13 major International Film Festivals.
Beautiful, elegant, touching… insightful story of the intersection of the ancient and the modern.
In this gorgeously shot tale, a young medical doctor returns home to his family in India for a visit at his father’s urgent request. Once there, family history reasserts itself, as the young man finds himself at odds with his father in matters of life and of death.
Monsoon is a beautiful cultural exploration of being torn between two identities, with an accurate depiction of second generation family dilemmas. - Brian Liu, 2007 Jackson Hole Film Festival Juror
Volunteer/ Sponsor for NJISACF 08
To be a part of our enthusiastic gang and contribute to the success of this event, email volunteers@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236. Watch some of the latest and breathtaking South Asian films for free!
For Advertisements and Sponsorships to reach an audience of more than 2000 South Asians, email sponsors@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236
NJISACF 08 Venue
Rutgers Busch Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
Asian American Film and Theater Project, PO Box 136, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, 08852, USA
732.310.0236/ saktis@njisacf.org
An assortment of 13 feature films, 6 docu-features, 14 short films dealing with a broad range of themes like identity, sexuality, politics and religion.
World, US and East Coast premieres, films straight from Cannes, Slamdance, renowned film institutes and regional films
Intellectually stimulating discussions and a gathering of most talk-about and promising faces of South Asian cinema and eminent personalities
All day film screenings, thought-provoking Q & A sessions with filmmakers and celebrities, gala opening night with cocktail and dinner
Amal
Canada/2007/Feature Film 101min/ English-Hindi
Writer and Director: Richie Mehta
Cast: Nasiruddin Shah, Roshan Seth, Seema Biswas, Rupinder Nagra, Koel Purie East Coast Premiere
People’s Choice Award, London Film Festival
Panavision Spirit Award for Best Independent Film, Santa Barbara International Film Festival
A modern day fable - sometimes, the poorest of men are the richest
A festival favorite with heart-warming performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Roshan Seth,
Amal attempts to seek the meaning of success, and how the meaning of success can change from person to person.
Filmed on location in New Delhi, this film, both emotional and poetic at times, will touch your heart and make you see the world in a different perspective. Richie mehta will be present at our film festival.
Not since Charlie Chaplin’s silent movies has a filmmaker seriously deployed such stereotypes.
- The Hollywood Reporter Amal is unquestionably a rich cinematic experience. – Boxoffice.com A mix of Guy de Maupassant, O. Henry, Vittorio De Sica and Hindu legend. – Toronto Life
India/2007/104min/Marathi East Coast Premiere
Director/Producer:Bipin Nadkarni
An 11- year old struggles with his parents’ separation and subsequent remarriage
When 11-year-old Bunty’s parents go separate ways, his world revolves around his mother, Aatyabai (his caretaker), and paintings, flowers and butterflies. He accepts the bitter past of his parents’ and is content meeting his father once a month.
But with time, Bunty’s world changes. Both his parents find new companions and resettle in life. Bunty is unable to accept another man in his mother’s life, or come to terms with another woman in his father’s world.
Which of the two worlds would he choose?
Which world does he belong to?
A beautifully-made film on such a complex subject. I have always liked his style of working. - Shivaji Satam
The World Unseen
UK/South Africa/ 2007/ English
Writer and Director: Shamim Sharif
Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Parvin Dabas, Nandana Sen East Coast Premiere
Best Director, Copper Wing Award, Phoenix Film festival
Best Film, Audience Award, Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Two Indian women find life-changing friendship in 50s apartheid South Africa
A slice of life, an epic drama
Set in 1950’s South Africa, when apartheid is just beginning, this is a story of two women, one free-spirited and the other a young traditional wife and mother, and their unexpected attraction that changes both women forever.
In a system that divides white from black and women from men, what chance is there for an unexpected love to survive? The World Unseen transports the viewer to a vibrant, colorful and evokes questions that are universal.
A sincere, beautifully realized vision of love and resistance in an intolerant world. - Afterellen.com A rare combination of intricate character study and engaging narrative - British Film Institute
Subtle and rather beautiful … a touching, likeable human story. -Notcoming.com
Watch out for the complete list of films selected will be posted soon on our website www.njisacf.org
Online ticketing will be open soon on our website.
Volunteer/ Sponsor for NJISACF 08
To be a part of our enthusiastic gang and contribute to the success of this event, email volunteers@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236. Watch some of the latest and breathtaking South Asian films for free!
For Advertisements and Sponsorships to reach an audience of more than 2000 South Asians, email sponsors@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236
NJISACF 08 Venue
Rutgers Busch Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
Asian American Film and Theater Project, PO Box 136, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, 08852, USA
732.310.0236/ saktis@njisacf.org
An assortment of meaningful and entertaining films from US, Canada, UK, Pakistan, India, Tibet, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh – to challenge your intellect and refresh your sensibilities
Youth oriented films that reflect the complex world of 21st century GenNext
World and US premieres, films straight from Cannes and Slamdance, and renowned film institutes
All day film screenings, thought-provoking Q & A sessions with filmmakers and celebrities, gala opening night with cocktail and dinner
Infinite Justice
UK/2007/Feature Film 104min/ English
Writer and Director: Jamil Dehlavi
Cast: Kevin Collins, Raza Jaffrey (Best Actor, Kara Film Festival) East Coast Premiere
Best Dramatic Feature, European Independent Awards in Paris
Robert Rodriguez Award for Excellence, 2007 Hollywood Digital Film Festival, LA
Explosive filmmaking. Not to be missed. - Le Courrier Picard
A bold and taut thriller about the real War on Terror, an uncompromising look at international politics and terrorism
Loosely based on the Daniel Pearl assassination case, Infinite Justice is the story of two men caught in the most dramatic conflict of our times, the war on terror. UK based French-Pakistani Independent film director Dehlavi tries to explore the very complex issue of terrorism impartially from various perspectives. A slick production, the film deftly goes back and forth in time, through continents and creates a complex and multilayered narrative, which efficiently reflects the complex issues at the core of the war on terrorism.
Jamil Dehlavi
Ultimately, what makes Infinite Justice a worthy addition to the canon of films about 9/11 and its aftermath is Dehlavi’s balanced , detached treatment of his explosive. – Sight and Sound
A fast-moving political thriller. Technically impressive.- The Guardian
An interesting contribution to the post 9/11 movies. Serious and decent-minded. - The Observer
There’s an ambitious sweep to Infinite Justice. Dehlavi moves confidently between time frames and countries. - BBC
Khub Asti Afghanistan (Are You Alright, Afghanistan?)
India - Afghanistan/2007/Docu-Feature/ 60 min/ English
Writer and Director: Soumitra Ranade
In search of the other Afghanistan the Western media chooses to ignore
An Afghanistan beyond the stories of terror and torture – a hopeful journey
Indian filmmaker Soumitra Ranade (director of Jajantaram Mamantaram) grew up in Kabul as a teenager. 26 years after leaving the country, he returns to post 9/11 Afghanistan to revisit the definitive years of his youth. In a country devastated by war, he rediscovers its beauty through his memories and encounters with its people. The film takes us on a hopeful journey through the past and present of a country that is yet to see lasting peace.
Soumitra Ranade
The film is a tribute to the Afghan spirit. Some films just have to be made…this was one of them. – Soumitra Ranade
Enemies of Happiness
Malalai Zoya
Denmark/2006/ 59 mins/English, Farsi, Pasthu
Director: Eva Mulvad and Anja Al-Erhayem East Coast Premiere
Winner, World Cinema Jury Prize in Documentaries, 2006 Sundance Film Festival
The true story of a young woman fighting for changes in Afghanistan
A film on personal courage, about a radical freedom fighter and a land that is changing
The story of the campaign of Malalai Zoya - a 28 year-old Afghan woman, armed with only a strong voice and a fierce loyalty to her homeland, who overcomes entrenched views and death threats to help bring democracy to Afghanistan.
Danish filmmaker Eva Mulvad follows the last 10 days of campaign of Zoya, running the country’s first democratic parliamentary elections in 35 years. The elections represented a special milestone for Afghan women, who had endured second-class citizenry their entire lives. Immensely inspiring, Zoya’s dedication will motivate all of us to join her in the cause of real reform.
This poetic portrait of a popular hero from the dusty Farah Province is sure to inspire viewers from all backgrounds. …- New York Times
You are a shining example of how one person can make a difference in millions of lives and in the future of millions – Hilary Swank
A political documentary with a difference…Quietly celebrates its heroine’s fierce determination to reform her country’s attitude toward women. -Leslie Felperin, Variety
Eloquent…Joya is a controversial voice for a nation ruined by war and ruled by tradition, and a voice with a desperate urge for change.- Göteborg Film Festival
Malalai with her secretary and another female candidate for the provinsial council. (Courtsey: www.enemiesofhappiness.com)
Director Eva Mulvad on location (Courtsey: www.enemiesofhappiness.com)
Watch a trailer of the film here:
Here is a speech by Eva Mulvad at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival:
Watch out for the complete list of films selected to be posted soon on our website, www.njisacf.org.
Online ticketing will be open soon on our website.
Volunteer/ Sponsor for NJISACF 08
To be a part of our enthusiastic gang and contribute to the success of this event, email volunteers@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236. Watch some of the latest and breathtaking South Asian films for free!
For Advertisements and Sponsorships to reach an audience of more than 2000 South Asians, email sponsors@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236
13 spectacular feature films, 6 stimulating and challenging docu-features, 14 stunning short films from US, Canada, UK, Pakistan, India, Tibet, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Exquisite films by distinguished filmmakers and promising newcomers that will take your breath away
World and US premieres, films straight from Cannes and Slamdance, and renowned film institutes
All day film screenings, thought-provoking Q & A sessions with filmmakers and celebrities, gala opening night with cocktail and dinner
Kanchivaram
India/2007/Feature Film 104min/ Tamil
Writer and Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Prakash Raj, Shreya Reddy
US Premiere
An Artistic Masterpiece by the Bollywood Director PRIYADARSHAN
An Electrifying Performance by PRAKASH RAJ, who will be present all 3 days of the Festival
Kanchivaram was a deeply moving experience…excellent performances and enviable control in direction…My hats off to you – Shyam Benegal
If you think you can expect only rib-tickling comedies from Priyadarshan, his latest and most ambitious film Kanchivaramwill prove you wrong. Clearly the film where the prolific director reaches his creative pinnacle, Kanchivaram is one of the rare film experiences you simply should not miss. Priyadarshan describes this one as his “dream project” and a “true achievement”: “I always do films for others but this is for me…to satisfy my emotions and feelings.”
With exquisite visuals and the usual Priyadarshan touch, Kanchivaramtells the story of a common man caught in the conflict between one’s adopted ideals and individual dreams.
Prakash Raj plays Venkatam, a master weaver who creates the first spark of a revolution, and his performance is a stunner.
To learn more about the film, visit www.kanchivaramthefilm.com
Women of Tibet – A Quiet Revolution
USA-Tibet/2007/Docu-Feature/ 60 min/ English
Director: Rosemary Rawcliffe
SILVER and BRONZE 2008 TELLY AWARDS Winner
Featuring His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
The director will be present during the festival.
An extraordinary film about the brave women of Tibet, and an inspiring document of one of the greatest movements of nonviolent resistance in modern history – when 15,000 unarmed Tibetan women took to the streets to oppose the violent occupation of their country by the China. The film, for the first time in history, interviews those handful women who have survived everything – these being the last generation of women left to share the story of the Tibetan Women’s Uprising and to impart their cultural legacy. Breathlessly beautiful and thought-provoking, along with rare photographs, footage and interviews of the spirited and tough women as well as an extended interview of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama the film is an incredible compilation of little known stories and accounts of courage and compassion. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, Women of Tibet shows the strength and perseverance of a people dedicated to the principles of peace, non-violence, and compassion.
The film tells a story which has deep importance to the Tibetan nation, and I believe greater relevance to the wider world as well. – Tenzin Tethong, President, the Dalai Lama Foundation
Women of Tibet present an enlightened look at how women’s issues fit into the Tibetan struggle for freedom. – American Public Television
The only documentary ever made about the legendary music composer RD BURMAN
The director, Brahmanand Singh will be present to share his experience of making this unique film
Featuring: Asha Bhosle, Gulzar, Shammi Kapoor, Shakti Samant, Bhupinder, Manna Dey, Rishi Kapoor, Pyarelal, Ameen Sayani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Usha Uthup, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and many others - over 40 eminent personalities from the industry, who remember Pancham with fondness and humor and unequivocally vouch for his genius and largesse as a human being.
One of the most versatile composers the Hindi Film Music Industry had ever seen, RD Burman brought about a revolution in the popular music of its time almost single-handedly. This is a never-before incisive look into the composer’s reflective artistry and buoyant-but-also-lonely inner being. You will hear many untold and told stories by the most talented people from the film industry, not to mention his evergreen songs. A unique, up-close and moving remembrance of the legend by the people closest to him.
The tribute is a thorough look at R D Burman’s life and work - and what exactly made his music so trend setting and timeless … – HT Café
A poignant portion is when Vidhu Vinod Chopra speaks about the dark phase in Pancham’s career — apparently RDB had almost been written off by the music industry … – DNA
The film takes an incisive look not only at the body of work of the legendary composer, but also reveals various facets of R D Burman that you would never know. - Yahoo.com, In.Movies
And while you remember the most adored music genius of our time, we leave you with these videos below, of some of his innumerable evergreen creations:
Watch out for the complete list of films selected will be posted soon on our website, www.njisacf.org
Online ticketing will be open soon on our website.
Volunteer/ Sponsor for NJISACF 08
To be a part of our enthusiastic gang and contribute to the success of this event, email volunteers@njisacf.org or call 732-310-0236.
Watch some of the latest and breathtaking South Asian films for free!
For Advertisements and Sponsorships to reach an audience of more than 2000 South Asians, email
NJISACF 08 Venue
Rutgers Busch Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
Asian American Film and Theater Project, PO Box 136, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, 08852, USA
732.310.0236/ saktis@njisacf.org
Remember the NJISACF 2007 Best Feature Film award winner, Waking Dreams - the energetic culture clash comedy set against the rich backdrops of video games and Bollywood fantasies? (For those of you who haven’t watched Waking Dreams, we strongly recommend you do so as soon as you get a chance.)
Our filmmaker of the month is the very talented director of Waking Dreams,Deepika Daggubati. Born in India and raised in Texas, writer-director Deepika Daggubati has been making movies since the age of ten.As an undergraduate at Georgetown, Deepika worked as a freelance camera operator and editor for news crews and student clubs.After graduating with a B.A. in English and Psychology, she attended Cal Arts for an M.F.A. in Film Production. Waking Dreams is her feature debut. Deepika has been hired to write the original Disney Channel movie Muncie Masala, which is in development.She has also written and directed several short films including the upcoming Dowry.Deepika Daggubati answers a few questions for the readers of Bioscope.
How would you say is your experience of being a 21st century South Asian woman filmmaker in USA? What are the challenges that you have faced, if any?
DD: I’m encouraged by Hollywood’s recent interest in ethnic stories and by the increasing support of the South Asian diaspora for films from our communities.Ethnic stories are universal stories, and people appreciate this fact when they have access to our films.The landscape has changed in a positive direction in the ten years since I’ve been in Los Angeles as a student and filmmaker.While I don’t believe I’ve faced any additional challenges in the industry for being Indian, I do feel that female writers and directors are severely underrepresented in what movies get made and which scripts are bought.
Tell us about some of your favorite films, and the kind of films you would want to make.
DD: Ah, there are so many!Among my favorite directors and films are William Wyler (The Best Years of Our Lives, The Little Foxes), Jane Campion (The Piano, The Portrait of a Lady), Satyajit Ray (Mahanagar, Teen Kanya), Hitchcock (Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window) and David Lynch (Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man).I look forward to making movies in several genres as Wyler did.I’m fascinated by the small, intimate moments that reveal a person’s deep character.The projects that I’m currently working on include a period mystery about a murder in 1920s Manhattan, a contemporary thriller about areporter investigating her grandmother’s death, and a boarding school story of rebellion and acceptance.
That is so very fascinating. How much do you think does Bollywood affects our lives as expats, in spite ofthe fact that most Bollywood films are far removed from reality?
DD: Bollywood has little impact on my life.I occasionally watch new Indian films and can really appreciate the craft and storytelling.But the average Bollywood melodrama has just as little relevance to my life as the average Hollywood romantic comedy.I am glad, though, to see the availability of satellite TV channels for Bollywood and other Indian regional programming.I can’t imagine what my parents watched before they subscribed to Telugu channels like Teja!In some ways, I wish that programming like this had been available when I was a child growing up in a small Texas city far removed from any Indian cultural activities.Perhaps it would have helped me navigate my dual identities as an Indian in America.Or perhaps not.Maybe Bollywood’s unrealistic constructs of love, success and beauty would have been just as detrimental as any Hollywood equivalent.
Has Waking Dreams released in India? If not, do u have any plans to release Waking Dreams in India?
DD: It’s been a long and challenging journey to get distribution for Waking Dreams.The typical response from distributors has been “We love the movie, but we don’t know how to market it.”But the goal post is finally in sight!Waking Dreams will be self-released this year in theaters and on DVD.The target date is August.Please watch for it!Independent releases depend on the goodwill of grassroots audiences, and I’d like to ask your readers for their support.There are no plans as of yet for distribution in India, but I do hope to participate in a couple of film festivals there since we now have a film print to screen.
Do u feel a formal education is necessary for being a successful filmmaking? Do you have any advice for new filmmakers?
DD: A formal education is not necessary, especially because the art and craft of filmmaking can only be learned hands-on.I don’t regret taking the time to get my MFA in filmmaking.But in retrospect, I learned more from making my shorts there and from working on my friends’ films than from anything I learned in the classroom.The great benefit of film school is its access to networking.It takes contacts to land any non-entry level job in Hollywood.Since projects are relatively short-lived, usually lasting only a few months, it’s important to keep in touch with contacts made on each one.My advice to new filmmakers would be to stay in touch with mentors, employers and colleagues long after a project has ended.You’ll never know when an opportunity may arise if you’re not in the loop to hear about it.I also urge filmmakers to not be precious about their work.Don’t rework and polish one script or film repeatedly.Just move on.Make as many short pieces as you can.Write as many scripts as you can.Quality will follow as you get more experience.
What do you enjoy the most and the least about your work?
DD: As far as writing goes, I love being in the “zone” – that stage when I hear characters talk.Emotions bubble up inside me when I’m writing a scene, and I find myself crying or laughing out loud with my characters.Unfortunately, the zone is elusive, and takes time and patience to achieve.On most days when I sit down to write, it’s torturous and lonely.I’m plagued with doubt and wonder how I ever did it before.During the recent three-month Writers Guild of America strike, I was a strike captain.On the daily picket lines, I met many renowned writers whose work I deeply admire.It seems most of them experience the same fear and doubt.It’s just part of the process for most writers.
With directing, my favorite part is production.I love working with actors on performance.I love setting the look of the film with the designer.I love visualizing the shots and lighting with the DP.I never get tired when directing, because it’s the biggest adrenaline rush.There’s nothing I don’t enjoy about directing except that I can’t do it often enough!
What would be your next project?
DD: I recently directed a short film called Dowry about a Persian woman who goes on the worst first date imaginable only to become engaged by the end of the evening.I’m also getting close to a start date on Odd Girl Out, a feature coming-of-age story that I wrote and will direct.Meanwhile, I continue to write scripts and pitch stories.There are so many stories I want to tell!I hope I’ll be back at the NJISACF soon!
Among the other favorites were Kaal by Bappaditya Bandyopadhyay, A Home in the Sky by Bipin Nandkarni, The Lost Rainbow, and two evocative films about a different Afghanistan - Enemies of Happiness and Khub Asti Afghanistan.
Richie mehta will be present at our film festival.
A Home in the Sky
resettle in life. Bunty is unable to accept another man in his mother’s life, or come to terms with another woman in his father’s world.
The World Unseen
to survive? The World Unseen transports the viewer to a vibrant, colorful and evokes questions that are universal.
