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Osian's Cinefan to focus on Buddhism

Mandira Nayar

NEW DELHI: Well over 2,000 years after he was born, his middle path will find new converts in Capital. Inspiring filmmakers, Osian's Cinefan brings to life their experience of Buddhism to screen at the festival.

An unusual addition to the film festival this time round, "The Middle Path'' is to commemorate the 2550th anniversary of the birth of the Buddha. There are 12 movies in this section and come from across the world. From the Swiss Alps to Vietnam, America and Bhutan, these films have different themes and some of them are very personal.

"The Light of Asia'', one of India's first few joint productions, directed by Franz Osteen, is film to watch out for. A German-Indian collaboration, the movie captures not only the live and times of the Buddha, but also the exotic appeal of India. Complete with elephants and plush sets, it is an interesting movie.

"Milarepa'' made this year has been directed by Neten Chokling Rinpoche. The story of the film centres on Milarep, the 11th -12th Century poet-monk from Tibet who rose above the misery and violence around him to become a great visionary. The director of the film will be at the festival to share his views with audience.

There is also Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha'' made in 1993, which is inspired by a true story. The two Korean films "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring" and "Why did Bodhi Dharma Leave for the East?'' also promise to be interesting.

Apart from the Buddha, Osian's Cinefan is bringing alive another legend, but this time a "reel'' one. With a retrospective planned on Ritwik Ghatak, this is a wonderful chance to watch the master of cinema, who is yet to claim his rightful place in the sun on the big screen. While some lucky people would have watched Satyajit Ray's films on a large format, Ghatak's films have rarely been seen. There will also be a retrospective of Stanley Kwan this year.

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