Emerging from a challenging four-year hiatus imposed by the constraints of the pandemic, MAMI 2023 expanded its horizons, encompassing a broader range of films from various regions and increased its number of theaters. It also showcased a special focus on South Asian cinema and the works of the South Asian diaspora abroad. The festival featured exceptional films from countries like Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Paradise Unveiled: A Cinematic Journey Through Lanka
Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise” offered festival attendees a captivating journey through some of Lanka’s most breathtaking locations. The film’s allusions to Ravana Falls and Sita’s agnipariksha (trial by fire) place, transformed into a temple, added a layer of cultural significance sure to pique the interest of the Indian audience. “Paradise” delves deep into themes of police corruption, ethnic strife, and the complexities within a couple’s relationship through a gripping, tension-filled drama. Its well-deserved recognition at the Busan International Film Festival underscored its exceptional storytelling and visual grandeur.
World Cinema Unleashed: A Diverse Tapestry of Films
The World Cinema section screened a remarkable selection of 90 titles, including Cannes award-winner “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Monster” by Kareeda, Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Ken Loach’s “The Old Oak,” and Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera.” “Anatomy of a Fall” stands out as a potential contender in the upcoming awards circuit, its storytelling evoking the classic “Rashomon” narrative technique, artfully blurring the lines between fictional accounts and actual events. “Fallen Leaves” is sweet and funny at times. It’s set in present day Helsinki where the Ukraine war news being aired in the radio disturbing the lead characters in their already dreary existence. The director chooses not to use any cell phones or social media when they try to find each other but by visiting the places where they had met earlier only to evoke nostalgia. In Kaursmaki’s proletariat world, love is the only hope to survive, and this makes the film very hopeful and charming. “The Old Oak,” directed by Ken Loach, delivered a powerful message, though it was criticized for its melodramatic and preachy tone, indicating that it may not be among his best work.
Inside the Yellow Cocoon: A Vietnamese Cinematic Revelation
The festival’s biggest surprise was the debut Vietnamese feature, “Inside the Yellow Cocoon,” which had previously won the prestigious Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival. This slow-burning film, illuminated by natural light, skillfully blurs the lines between apparent truth and fantasy, offering a thought-provoking cinematic journey.
Excellence in Cinema: MAMI 2023 Honors the Titans
MAMI 2023 was not just about contemporary cinema; it also paid homage to legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the cinematic world. Excellence in cinema was celebrated with awards presented to two luminaries, Mani Ratnam and Luca Guadagnino. Their contributions have not only enriched the realm of filmmaking but have also profoundly influenced the art of storytelling on screen. Lifetime Achievement Awards were also bestowed upon Uma da Cunha, Aruna Vasudev, and Nasreen Munni Kabir.
Exploring the Festival Sections: Gems from the Past and Present
In the Royal Stag short film section, audiences were treated to intriguing short-form narratives, with notable titles such as “The Burmese Harp,” the Manipuri film “Ishanou,” and “Chocolat” in the restored classic section. The retrospective of Malayalam actor Bharat Gopi introduced audiences to timeless classics such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s “Kodiyettam” and Aravindan’s “Chidambaram,” providing a glimpse into the cinematic heritage of the region.
Workshops: Engaging with Urgent Themes
There were also a series of enlightening workshops at MAMI 2023. Notably, the workshop on climate and sustainability storytelling underscored the pressing need to incorporate climate-related themes into narratives across all genres. As the world grapples with the imminent threat of climate change, this workshop served as a timely reminder of the role cinema can play in raising awareness and inspiring change. Another crucial discussion revolved around gender equality in Hindi cinema, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and representation in the industry.
Awards and Recognition: Nurturing Future Talent
The competitive section at MAMI 2023 was overseen by a jury headed by the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, awarded The Golden Gateway Award to Sarvnik Kaur’s “Against the Tide,” the Silver Gateway Award to Diwas Shah’s “Bahadur the Brave,” and the Special Jury Award to Kanu Behl’s “Agra.” These awards recognize and encourage emerging talents, highlighting the festival’s commitment to fostering the next generation of filmmakers.
Reaching New Audiences: Expanding Horizons
Traditionally, the festival drew a rush of film enthusiasts to cinemas in Andheri, Juhu, and Regal Cinema. However, MAMI 2023 witnessed an expansion of its reach, extending to suburban areas like Ghatkopar, Malad, and Goregaon. This expansion made the festival more accessible to college students in these regions, offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of cinema. Witnessing young audiences engaging in discussions about auteurs of world cinema was heartening, as it promises to elevate their aesthetic sensibilities beyond the allure of Bollywood.
Photo courtesy: Loudspeaker Media
