The Hindu : New Delhi News : Some films you may never get to see elsewhere

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 18, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

Some films you may never get to see elsewhere

Mandira Nayar

NEW DELHI: They may be issues that are often swept under the carpet, but for once it is time to talk. And bringing to the screen once again issues that usually find place only in newspapers is Breakthrough with its third Tri-continental Film Festival.

This festival has managed to carve a space for itself on the Capital's rather short calendar of movie events. With the promise of providing to viewers films that they will probably never get to see elsewhere, the festival may be about "serious" subjects, but the movies are always inspiring. "We at Breakthrough are committed to promoting values of equality, justice and dignity by using methods of popular appeal. What is unique about this festival is the `Travelling Screen'. Through our networks these films travel through the year to college campuses across the country engaging the youth in debates and discussions around issues of social justice and human rights," says festival director Alika Khosla.

From stories that talk about the other side of independence in Iraq to the bloody battle in northern Uganda, the festival really aims at giving voices previously unheard of. Most of these movies are being shown in India for the first time.

One of the films that the festival brings is "Leila Khaled Hijacker" -- the story of the first woman to ever hijack an airplane in 1969. The film, directed by Lina Makboul, tells her story and why she became a terrorist or a freedom fighter for some.

While the festival focuses sharply on these lines that blur with some films, there are other movies that concentrate on issues that only have a dark side. Taking off on January 18, the three-day festival also has a special section this time -- the Retrospective Section, where Oscar-winner "Hearts and Minds" will be screened. The film is considered the most definitive statement against the Vietnam War of its time.

Growing bigger each time, the festival has managed to attract not only many more films but also diverse themes. With "conflicts" being generated, alienation faced by call centre workers is one such theme.

The films will be screened at India Habitat Centre and Alliance Francaise.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi