MA — Cry of Silence | The Maw Naing | Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore, France, Norway,
Qatar | 74 mins | 2024 | Mi-Thet, a young Burmese woman, is working in a garment factory
in Yangon, far from her native village. Wages have not been paid for the past two months,
and a group of workers are leading a strike. But soon, the strikers are attacked by the
henchmen of the military regime, leaving Mi-Thet terrified by her past trauma.
In the Land of Brothers | Alireza Ghasemi, Raha Amirfazl | Iran, France, Netherlands | 95
mins | 2024 | (India Premiere). Under the shadow of the US invasion of Afghanistan, an
extended refugee family begins a new life in Iran, unaware of the ultimate price expected of
them as outliers in an unwelcoming environment. The film tells the story of Mohammad, a
young teenager and promising student; Leila, a woman isolated by geography; and Qasem,
who bears the weight of his family’s sacrifice.
When the Light Breaks | Rúnar Rúnarsson | Iceland, Netherlands, Croatia, France | 82
mins | 2024 | (South Asia Premiere). When the light breaks on a long summer’s day in
Iceland, from one sunset to another, Una, a young art student encounters love,
friendship, sorrow and beauty. Writer-director Rúnar Rúnarsson’s elegy of love, loss
and acceptance, with its striking 16mm cinematography, captures a precise sense of
time, place and mood.

Set against the majestic backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains in McLeod Ganj, DIFF’s diverse programming, intimate discussions and the vibrant community it has built since its inception make it a unique cultural event, unlike any other in India. The 13th edition of the independent film festival, spread over four days packing in more than 80 films from around the world, spanning narrative features, documentaries, and short films, alongside powerful stories from South Asia. The programme includes a mix of bold narratives and thought-provoking documentaries that explore pressing global themes.

A new highlight of this year’s edition was the partnership with Sydney Film Festival (SFF), funded by the Australian Government’s Maitri Cultural Partnerships Grant. The partnership will commence at DIFF 2024 with the screening of two Australian films – Allan Clarke’s The Dark Emu Story, a documentary that revisits Bruce Pascoe’s controversial book, and the Julia Garner-starrer The Royal Hotel – in McLeod Ganj, and continue at Sydney Film Festival in June 2025, showcasing Indian films that resonate across borders and deepen cross-cultural exchange.

It is that time of the year again when Mumbai’s cherished Prithvi Festival as the annual celebration will take over the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Juhu, highlighting a legacy of storytelling, artistic expression, and Prithviraj Kapoor’s enduring dream of a space designed to be a beacon of community and culture.

 For over four decades, this festival has been a haven for creativity and connection, where audiences and performers unite, and India’s rich theatrical history comes alive. This year’s lineup features modern interpretations, bold new voices, premiere productions, and engaging conversations with leading theatre-makers.

Plays, concerts, dance performances, fringe shows, partner programs, stage talks and live screenings, Prithvi Festival is a cultural celebration where stories captivate, connections flourish, and memories linger long after the spotlight fades, so join in  for tea and snacks at Prithvi Café, engage in courtyard conversations, and embrace the warmth that extends beyond the stage.

 Every year around this time is MAMI festival and while most of the time the films are spread across minimum three cinema halls, this time it is only two. Regal in Colaba and PVR in Juhu. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, celebrating 50 years in cinema was honoured with the ‘Excellence in Cinema Award’ by MAMI, participated in a masterclass moderated by the gorgeous Vidya Balan. Vidya was clearly excited talking to the senior actor and going down memory lane of her landmark films but what was delightful was Shabana Azmi asking questions to Vidya about her craft and choices.

What is easiest for you in acting, Shabana asked Vidya and her answer was, Laughter. Vidya said she laughs a lot in real life and finds it easy to project joy on screen. What is the most difficult to do? Probed Shabana. “I want to do theatre but don’t have the courage,” said Vidya. Shabana has promised to do a play with Vidya Balan and I’m eagerly waiting for the announcement.