Marathi cinema to make a presence at Cannes with four titles
The upcoming Cannes Film Festival will feature four Marathi films, according to Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who, on Sunday, broke the news to members of the press. An expert panel appointed by the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation picked the films which will be screened at the event in France next month.
The films are Sthal, Snow Flower, Khalid Ka Shivaji, and Juna Furniture. Out of these, Juna Furniture has been selected for the special screening category.
"Since 2016, the corporation has been sending Marathi films to the Cannes film market to build global exposure and connect with international audiences," said the minister, who went on to give the press a basic idea of what these films are about.
Sthal is described as a film that takes on patriarchy, colourism and social perceptions while exploring arranged marriage traditions in rural India. "The film presents a narrative rooted in real social settings, and its presence at Cannes speaks of the relevance of Marathi cinema," added Shelar.
Meanwhile, Snow Flower, which is a cross-country story set against the contrasting backdrops of Siberia and the Konkan region, combines two cultures. "This film brings a unique perspective, and its selection shows how diverse stories from Maharashtra can find space at global platforms," Shelar said.
Khalid Ka Shivaji tells the tale of a boy named Khalid who finds Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to be an inspiring figure after his religion gets him isolated by his peers."It highlights the thoughts of young minds and their quest for identity in today's society," said Shelar.
Juna Furniture, on the other hand, is a Mahesh Manjrekar directorial about the woes of senior citizens that also features the filmmaker in an acting role. "The film sheds light on the reality of ageing and how it affects relationships within families, which resonates universally and deserves the platform Cannes offers," added the minister.
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