MakaraManju a litmus test for art-house film lovers

Hidden Gems was conceived to bring award-winning films by and about India to discerning Calgary audience. We sensed a desire to learn more about India and Indian Culture through the medium of films. Majority of Indian diaspora were looking for "meaningful cinema" and not art-house films per se. As the saying goes,"I don't know if it is art, but I know what i like!" It is to define that intangible feeling that we introduce you to the well-known film-critic Louis B. Thompson. Whether you agree with him or not, he has an uncanny way of demystifying some of the cobwebs, for example by drawing parallel to some other films that you might have seen.

Over the last year, we have noticed the shy, reluctant audience relax and actively participate in the discussion. During our culminating festival, viewers have even become enthusiastic about "Rating the movie."

Unbeknown to us, MakaraManju- Mist of the Capricorn, proved to be a litmus test for art-house film. Even the  Indian diaspora were perplexed.   This is not a biopic of the artist Raja Ravi Varma but it dwells primarily on his one painting ofUrvashi and Pururavas and the parallel to his life.

"MakaraManju is a film that celebraets art, both visually as well as cerebrally. It sucks the viewer in a  quicksand through a compelling narrative that’s soaked in metaphors, arresting visuals and beautiful music." says the critic Narcissist. It is sensual without being sexual. His involvement with his creation soon turns into obsession and leads him on a self-destructive path.The story of Pururavas & Urvashi is brilliantly used as both a metaphor as well as a device to explore Ravi Varma’s psyche

Lenin, the director,blends the two stories together, creating highly insightful and thought-provoking parallels between them. The differences between the visual & aural feels of the mythological and real strains of the narrative are subtle, and initially, one is susceptible to be fooled into mistaking one for the other. The mythical strain grows in rawness and intensity while the real one maintains a dignified poise throughout. The dialogue is sparse but it works as the visuals speak more than a 1000 words an image. Ravi Varma’s fierce individuality & refusal to bow to conventions is masterfully symbolized in Pururavas’ eccentricities & bravery. I heartily agree with the critic's depiction of Makaramanju as a true "masterpiece."

Review by Eric Volmer of Calgary Herald

7 Oct 2011
Calgary Herald
ERIC VOLMERS
CALGARY HERALD EVOLMERS@CALGARYHERALD.COM

Slice of Life at film festival

The Hidden Gems Film Festival runs Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at the Cardel theatre and Oct. 9 and 16 at the Plaza Theatre. Life Goes on screens Oct. 16 at 6:30 at the Plaza.

Afilmmaker aiming for universality could do worse than borrow from Shakespeare.

Director Sangeeta Datta loosely based her fiction debut, Life Goes On, on King Lear, the Bard’s potent tragedy about a vain father’s disastrous relationships with his three daughters.

It may seem a natural exercise for Datta, who teaches both film and literature at the University of London. But, as with many universal stories, it’s told through a fairly specific cultural lens that reflects the reality of India’s expat community in the U.K. “The test of any classic is to see whether it has any resonance in contemporary times, or in a different cultural context,” Datta said, from her home in London. “The story of a father and three daughters and a father who loves the youngest daughter the most and has the greatest conflict with the daughter he loves the most is a story you would see and hear around you anyway. I wanted to see if a Shakespearean model could be reworked or reshaped in the Indian diaspora in England.”

Which certainly places Datta in a group of Indian filmmakers determined to show the world that their cinema consists of much more than Bollywood, that strange and massive subculture of flighty song-and-dance films that tends to overwhelm most people’s perception of India’s celluloid output.

Which makes events such as Calgary’s third annual Hidden Gems festival, which launches today, valuable to Datta and others who operate with more of an arthouse bent. Datta will be on hand for a screening of Life Goes On when the festival comes to close Sunday. Oct. 16 at the Plaza.

“In India, there has been a phase of Bengal cinema, or alternative cinema in the late 1970s and 1980s where there seemed to be a space for that alternative definition,” says Datta. “There was a women’s movement, there was a sort of class movement and an identity movement. All of that cumulatively defined a different kind of a cinema. But since then, for the past two decades I think, Bollywood is threatening to swamp over any other definition of cinema.”

Datta’s film is about a griefstricken father dealing both with his wife’s sudden death and the news that his youngest daughter is dating a Muslim, which bring out his prejudices and haunting memories of the partition of India when he was a child.

“After 9/11, I certainly felt that one had to make a statement about the growing Islamicphobia one saw and felt around us,” Datta says. “Of course, it’s been much more palpable in America, but here in England it was no less. Telling a story about a Hindu patriarch who has great prejudice against the Islamic community and raising that as a conflict between two generations was something that needed to be said quite urgently.”

The title of Life Goes On is inspired by the opening lines of a Neil Diamond song. It takes place in London, is based on Shakespeare and has a soundtrack that covers everything from classical Indian music, to French hip-hop, to western jazz and blues, to references to classical Indian poets such as Rumi and Tagore. In short, it’s a mishmash of sounds, influences and traditions that directly relates to the film’s themes.



“I really wanted to look at the issues of identity and generational conflict, which is true of a migrant society anywhere in the world, not just here,” Datta says. “There are many families here who have come in as working class and then their children have struggled and grown and achieved much more in their generation and they are also trying to become part of a multicultural society. That conflict between tradition, between what your parents uphold and what you would like to do to be part of the mainstream, are real living experiences.”

Naukadubi

The Bard's star-crossed lovers pale by comparison with the two couples of Naukadubi!! Being Indian, they were not even lovers ! In fact, they had not even seen each other's faces, as is the Indian custom, hence, the interchange of wives. Romeo and Juliet is a romance throughout and ends in a tragedy. Naukadubi is a tragedy from the outset; Romesh has to abandon his sweetheart, not to his father's pressure (for once, a Bengali protagonist does not start out as a weakling !), but his poetic sensibility acquiesces to a widow's plea, when he agrees to marry her daughter. This generation grew up on Rabindronath's poetry, as is evident by his photograph and volumes of his poetry in both Romesh and Hemalini's abodes. Hemalini even replies to her father's query whether she has anyone in mind to marry, "Of course, Robindronath!"


Scenes following the boat-wreck are picturized with Romesh's voice as he writes a letter to Hem explaining the events to her. But, then imagining the grave distress it would cause her, he shreds the letter to bits at the mailbox as if to lessen her hurt.


After witnessing the rage of the river in Aparna Sen's "The Japanese Wife", I was curious to see how Rituparno would portray this sentient event. But the masterful director completely side-stepped it and chose just to show the aftermath, just as he marginalised the weddings (which in any Indian film would have prominence by its pomp and ceremony.) But Rituporno negates its importance by placing it in between the opening credits. If Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy only in its endlng, Naukadubi is a tragedy all throughout but keeps you in suspense about its ending as he alternates between the two plots.


The film is so full of Indian nuances, for instance, as Hema and the doctor leave the Kashi ghats, and he hesitates to offer his hand to assist her in the dark, as it would be improper to do so according to the customs of the time. When he finally does, he helps her down six steps and withdraws it after that. Hema is puzzled. He alludes to the custom of joining hands and taking seven steps together to symbolize the marriage. I wondered if the non-Indian audience would catch that.


This was also a period of intellectual awakening and I enjoyed the wordplay refering to the legal profession, when the brother rejoinder to his father's query as to if Hema agreed to his proposal in so many words, "In law, silence is consent". There were similar instances between Romesh and Kamala.


Our Film Classification officer exclaimed, "I just got very swept up in the dream-like quality of the filmmaking which somehow made the story that much more real." All the Kashi scenes were shot in mist as if to deepen the mystery. The lighting at ghat was exquisite and appropriate, whether it was an oil lamp or distant fireworks. It was a definite WOW for me. Wait to see Rituporno's magic in two more films at Hidden Gem's Octoberfest and you will see why Rituporno deserves the crown of "Director of the Decade".

Niru Bhatia

Ph:(403) 457-3036

email:niru@shaw.ca

www.members.shaw.ca/niru

Rabindranath Tagore

রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর, (7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941)

Rabindranath Tagore, pen name Gurudev, was a Bengali poet,novelist, musician, painter and playwright who reshaped Bengali literature and music. As author of Gitanjali and its "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse", he was the first non-European who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. His poetry in translation was viewed as spiritual, and this together with his mesmerizing persona gave him a prophet-like aura in the west.
The Tagore’s were affluent, distinguished, in many ways exclusive, if not alienated. His grandfather, Dwarkanath, who built the family fortune, was known as “Prince” and counted among friends people as far removed as Raja Rammohan Roy and Queen Victoria. His father, ‘Maharshi’ (The great sage) Devendranath was both a man a property and was inclined towards spiritualism. He broke away from orthodox Hindu ways and joined the Brahmo Samaj. Rabindranath, the fourteenth and last child, was born on May 7, 1861.

Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works. He is the only litterateur who penned anthems of two countries: India and Bangladesh.  Tagore won the1913 Nobel Prize in Literature, He was knighted by the British Crown. He later returned his knighthood in protest of the massacre of unarmed Indians in 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh.    In 1921, he founded Visva Bharati,  which means the communion of the world with India. Soon after independence, in 1951 the institution was given the status of a university.  

West is West

In appreciation of your tumultuous support for our curtain-raiser for 2011 season, "The Waiting City", Hidden Gems would like to offer a double pass to you for advance screening of British Comedy named "West Is West" to premier at Cineplex Eau Clair Theatre on Thursday, March 17th at 7 pm. There is limited sitting, so your RSVP is mandatory. Please, arrive 20-30 minutes early as it would be first come, first served.

For more information on this film visit imdb.

Please RSVP via email or phone:

email: hiddengemsff@shaw.ca

Phone: (403) 457 - 3036

"The Waiting City" Fabulously Received

Sundays screening of "The Waiting City," proved to be fabulously received.


"Brought to Calgary by Niru Bhatia of Hidden Gems Film Festival, The Waiting City was a poignant film with a simple yet universal story about compelling desire for parenthood. Great Cinematography, compassionate portrayal of Calcutta's chaotic everyday living and believable couple played by Radha Mitchell and Joel Edgerton was definitely an experience not to be missed. Thanks Niru for bringing us such sumptuous feast everytime." 
- Renu Mahajan-


For more comments and reviews visit our facebook group:
 Hidden Gems Film Festival


The film depicted an Australian couple who travel to India to finalize their International Adoption of a young little girl. Amidst the adoption process and deep desire to raise a child this film brings to life the strains and struggles that couples can experience when dealing with sensitive subject of being childless. As a general progression of life, one often expects couples to grow and have a home with children, however often we do not realize the obstacles some couples may face. These challenges can cause tension in marital relationships that as an outsider we may be not be aware of, often leading to loss of faith, loss of self, or loss of love for one another. It can on the other hand also strengthen relationships if couples allow themselves the space to manage such emotions through the support of friends and family around them. Hope, faith, and belief play a huge role in managing these challenges, and other challenges in life. Many emotions are brought to life in this film regarding love, marriage, parenthood, and faith. India can viewed as chaotic and serene, often referred to as the perfect balance between the spiritual world, and the material world. India is one place that in the midst of the total chaos one can gain complete inner peace through spirituality if you are lucky enough to let yourself awaken to it.  The backdrop of India in this film beautifully illustrates the power of faith and our own beliefs whatever they may be. 


A special thanks goes out to everyone who pulled out their wallets while satisfying there taste buds with some tantalizing chai to support the Smile Foundation in India. The Smile Foundation supports genuine grassroots' initiatives targeted at providing education and health to underprivileged children. In the process, becoming the first ever grantmaker and changing the face of thousands of lives. For more information in the Smile Foundation India please visit their website: 
Smile Foundation India.


Thanks to all the patrons that came out to view the film and to all those that took a moment to vote after the film. Below are the results of your votes:

• 11.3% Liked It
• 45% Loved It
• 43.7%  Wow!!!

Kudos to the volunteers who orchestrated the event with glamour and grace, and congratulations to Ramzan Hirji winner of "dinner for two" at Mango Shiva courtesy of Mango Shiva.


Stay tuned for information on more "gems" coming your way soon. Don't miss out, make sure you join the Hidden Gems Film Festival Facebook group, and subscribe to the Hidden Gems blog to stay updated! Don't forget to visit our website also at: http://www.hiddengemsfilmfestival.com

Hidden Gems latest buzz around town!

Hidden Gems is getting alot of buzz around town with the upcoming screening of "The Waiting City,"at 4:00 pm this Sunday February 20th at the Plaza Theatre. 


Check out some of the noteworthy buzz below:

• Listen to Hidden Gems Festival Executive Director Niru Bhatia interviewed by CKUA's Kathleen Renne.
• Read the Five Facts about The Waiting City in the Calgary Herald.
• View Calgary Sun's article: East meets West in Film Fest.
• Catch Niru once again tonight on Global Calgary News at 6:00pm!

Lauren Babuik Interviews Niru Bhatia and Hidden Gems returns to The Plaza Theatre with “The Waiting City”

Posted on 13 February 2011 by Calgary Beacon

By Lauren Babuik, reporter
http://www.calgarybeacon.com/2011/02/niru-bhatia-and-hidden-gems-returns-to-the-plaza-theatre-with-“the-waiting-city”/#more-41397

Niru Bhatia and the Hidden Gems Film Organization are set to screen Australian film “The Waiting City” at the Plaza in Kensington Feb. 20 at 4 pm. The film is brought to you by the same group behind the Hidden Gems Indian Film Festival of October. 

This time around, the group presents an outsider’s look into India, with director Claire McCarthy centered on a young couple’s journey to Calcutta to adopt a baby, only to find that the adoption has not yet been finalized. It is in Calcutta where the marriage of the couple is tested. 

The film is not yet released in Canada or the United States, and is a one-night only event, making this screening a rare experience that should be taken advantage of. Bhatia says that this film differs from previous screenings in that instead of showing India as Indians see it, the country is interpreted as foreigners see it.

“The director is Australian, the lead actors are Australian, and the story is so timely, how people are adopting children from other countries and what happens when you do that,” said Bhatia, “It is very colourful, it offers all the sights that you can see in Calcutta; there are festivals, there are weddings.”

The inspiration for her first full-length feature film came when McCarthy ventured to India with her sister to volunteer in Mother Theresa’s orphanage in Calcutta, and saw firsthand the adoption process of Indian children by foreigners.

According to Bhatia, McCarthy utilized surprise and spontaneity in “The Waiting City”, in order to present raw insight.

“What is nice about this is normally the actors rehearse and do all those things. They didn’t have that much time, she knew where the festivals were happening, where the weddings were happening and she just dropped them in that situation. 

So their reactions are very spontaneous and very believable. Instead of a polished, rehearsed film this is a spontaneous film,” described Bhatia, adding that, “it is so different from what you are used to.”

Tickets for “The Waiting City” cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. There is a group discount of 10% for the purchase of 20-30 tickets and 20% for 31 or more. There is also a student discount of $2.

Filmgoers also have the opportunity to purchase a Hidden Gems membership for $25, which entitles them to see the first 3 films for free, as well as a discount on the annual festival pass.

For tickets call Niru Bhatia (403) 457-3036 or email: hiddengemsff@shaw.ca

To view the trailer for “The Waiting City”, please visit www.hiddengemsfilmfestival.com

Also upcoming: In May, Hidden Gems celebrates the 150th birthday of India’s Noble laureate Sri Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, author and composer. In the honor of this occasion, Hidden Gems will be screening two unreleased films based on his stories. 

For more information, please visit www.hiddengemsfilmfestival.com

The Waiting City

This year, Hidden Gems Film Festival will debut an Australian movie with an Indian theme "The Waiting City".

Synopsis: An outwardly happy Australian couple journey to Calcutta to collect their adopted baby. But on arrival find that the arrangements have yet to be finalized. Soon, the intoxicating mystic power of the Indian city pulls them in separate and unexpected directions, and the vulnerability of their marriage begins to reveal itself. 

A wonderful Australian movie, shot entirely in India. It offers an outsider's view of India. Only one show on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. at Plaza, 1133 Kensington Road, N.W. Calgary. This film is rated 14A.

Book your advance tickets for $10, or $12 at the door.

Students & Seniors $2 off (ID required for discounted rates).

Call Hidden Gems Film Festival: (403) 457 - 3036 for more details.

Got the winter blues? Get your Tickets and lets go to the movies!

Fall is usually the season for Film Festivals. It is also the pre-Oscar rush at the theatres. Hence, everyone jostles for time and place at the venues. Hidden Gems has an additional factor that takes precedence over all else, i.e. Indian Festival season. It seems all the festivities are lined up one after the other. It starts with Navratri, Dassera, Durga puja, Kali puja & those early Diwali functions. Even a couple of screenings at the weekends seem to interfere with one festival or other.

But nothing much is happening in January or February except for those impending threats of an unexpected snowstorm.This year, Hidden Gems Film Festival will debut an Australian movie with an Indian theme, on Feb. 20th 2011 at 4pm, about a couple, who wrap everything up and leave for Kolkata to adopt a girl. This movie is in English-no subtitles !

2011 is going to be a stellar year for Hidden Gems. In May, we celebrate 150th Birthday of India's Noble laureate Sri Rabindranath Tagore. He was not only an imaginative poet, but also composed music for his poems, thereby starting a new genre in music called Robindra Sangeet. He was a prolific author of dramas, stories, novella etc. There are numerous movies based on his stories, we plan to show two, not yet released movies, based on his evergreen stories, on May 8, 2011. The third annual Hidden Gems Festival would follow, probably the two weekends of October 7-9, & 14-16.

To initiate this extended programme, we have a fabulous offer:

You can register as Hidden Gems Film Society Member for 2011 for $25, which entitles you to free tickets for the first 3 shows, value $36, on Feb. 20 & two shows on May 8 plus discount on the annual Festival Pass. The exact amount of discount to be determined when the line-up is finalized.