Showcasing the best of Indian cinema beyond mainstream releases during 2015-2016 is the Habitat Film Festival, being organised here till May 15 by the Habitat Film Club.
In its 11th year, the festival boasts of films that are a visual feast and unveil the diversity of the country’s landscape, people, folklore and history.
All the films are, however, bound by the common thread of issues that the changing world around has churned up, said the festival organisers.
Themes being covered range from displacement, migration, intolerance, caste, corrupt systems and destruction of indigenous culture to stories of love, courage, aspiration and resilience of the human spirit.
Vidyun Singh, director programmes, said: “This year’s films will entertain, enchant, engage, delight and disturb the audience in varying measure during the nine-day cinematic voyage across the vast terrain of the land and gives you a window into the soul of the country.”
This edition of the festival also boasts of films from the North-East. These films include Onaatha (Khasi), Kothanodi (Assamese), Antareen (Assamese), Nodi Mathu Boi (Assamese), Eibusu Yaohanbiyu (Manipuri) and Kima Lode (Mizo).
This year’s retrospective pays tribute to Helen, who created a signature style — a style and fan following that took her from “item to icon” and carved out special niche in the annals of Indian film history. An interaction with Helen will be followed by the screening of a documentary on her at 6.30 p.m. on May 11.
The much talked about and well-received Angry Indian Goddesses will bring the festival to a close. The festival will also have a segment of award-winning documentaries and short films.
Passes for the festival are available at the programme desk. For the complete schedule and trailers, visit www.habitatfilmclub.com
