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11 Films to watch from the South Asia Competition at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (19–24 October 2024) is back, promising six immersive days of world cinema, artistic innovation, and cultural exchange. With over 110 films from 45 countries—spanning 50+ languages, genres, and formats—the festival offers something for every film lover. This year’s edition balances exciting premieres with thoughtful retrospectives, offering both glitz and substance to Mumbai’s vibrant audience. Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, fresh from winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, will set the stage as the opening film, while Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth, starring the iconic Shabana Azmi, will close the festival, celebrating Azmi’s extraordinary 50-year career in cinema.

Beyond screenings, the festival buzzes with masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities—perfect for cinephiles eager to learn the craft or connect with industry veterans. International heavyweights and South Asian gems come together across various curated sections, such as the Focus South Asia programme and World Cinema showcase, turning Mumbai into a cinephile’s playground.

At the heart of this cinematic fiesta lies the South Asia Competition, a celebration of contemporary filmmaking from the region and its diasporas. This competitive section elevates bold, new voices, offering a platform to films that push creative and cultural boundaries. From Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó’s Agent of Happiness, based in Bhutan, to Rima Das’s anticipated follow-up Village Rockstars 2, this year’s line-up delves into themes of identity, tradition, and transformation. With films like Girls Will Be Girls exploring sexuality and rebellion, and Little Jaffna portraying a gripping crime thriller set within the Tamil diaspora in Paris, the competition promises diversity and depth.

Agent of Happiness 

Agent of Happiness is a poignant exploration of Bhutan’s unique cultural landscape, directed by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó. This documentary delves into the concept of Gross National Happiness, which has defined Bhutan’s identity since its inception in the 1970s. The film follows Amber Gurung, a happiness agent tasked with measuring the well-being of citizens, who himself grapples with profound loneliness and a search for love. As Amber journeys across the country, he encounters individuals like Yangka, a determined teenager, and Dechen, a resilient transgender performer, each revealing their personal struggles and joys. This heartfelt narrative highlights the often unseen complexities behind Bhutan’s cheerful façade, blending humour and emotional depth. Premiering at esteemed festivals like Sundance and Hot Docs, Agent of Happiness challenges viewers to reflect on their own definitions of happiness while providing a thoughtful critique of societal expectations and emotional truths.

Screenings:
  • October 19 2024, 10.15 am – 11.50 am [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 21 2024, 4.30 – 6.10 [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 22 2024, 6.45 – 8.25 [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 1]

Girls Will Be Girls

Girls Will Be Girls, directed by Shuchi Talati, is a bold exploration of femininity and desire in a conservative Himalayan boarding school. The film follows Mira, a diligent Head Prefect, who navigates a clandestine romance with the charming newcomer, Sri, while contending with her mother, Anila. After discovering Mira’s secret, Anila surprisingly embraces the relationship, seeking to monopolise Sri’s attention. Set in the late 1990s amidst cultural upheaval in India, the film challenges societal norms dictating women’s behaviour and sexuality. Talati draws from her experiences to portray the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters who are both oppressed and defiant. Through intimate character portrayals, Girls Will Be Girls reflects the complexities of identity and desire, exploring themes of love and self-discovery. It premiered at notable festivals like Sundance and SXSW.

Screenings:
  • October 19 2024, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 20 2024, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 21 2024, 6.45 pm – 8.45 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 4]

Village Rockstars 2 

Village Rockstars 2 marks Rima Das’s return to familiar terrain, revisiting the same Assamese village and characters introduced in her 2017 film. Known for her immersive storytelling, Das captures the subtle evolution of life in a community shaped by changing aspirations and shifting memories. This follow-up continues to focus on Dhunu, the young girl from the first film, now on the cusp of adulthood, with the camera quietly observing her journey without imposing conclusions or dramatic arcs. The film reflects life’s natural ebb and flow, allowing transformations to unfold organically. Having premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, where it won the Kim Jiseok Award, Village Rockstars 2 demonstrates Das’s signature patience and attentiveness, reaffirming her as a filmmaker deeply committed to exploring the rhythms of everyday existence in Assam.

Screenings:
  • October 19 2024, 8.45 pm – 10.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 21 2024, 10.15 am – 12.00 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 23 2024, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]

Kiss Wagon

In Kiss Wagon, Isla, a cocaine-addled courier girl, navigates life under the oppressive grip of a puritanical cult in a police state. When tasked with delivering a kiss to an encrypted address, she unwittingly becomes embroiled in a vast military-theocratic conspiracy that unfolds over a dramatic three-hour journey. Directed by Midhun Murali, this mixed-media film combines handmade visuals with video extracts, drawing inspiration from traditional shadow plays. Featuring over 2,000 meticulously composed shots, each layered with intricate backgrounds and characters, Kiss Wagon tells a gripping story. It portrays the struggle between the darkness of religious dogma and the liberating power of cinema. Emphasizing the resilience of outsiders, non-conformists, and misfits, this film serves as a bold narrative about a paradise lost and regained. It premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and Jeonju International Film Festival.

Screenings:
  • October 22 2024, 12.15 pm – 3.10 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 23 2024, 9:00 pm – 11.55 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 24 2024, 5.30 pm –  8.25 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]

Little Jaffna

Little Jaffna immerses viewers in the unique intersection of Tamil culture and life in Paris. When Michael Beaulieu, a Tamil police officer, is tasked with infiltrating a cartel funding the Liberation Tigers in Sri Lanka, he navigates the complexities of his dual identity. Blending into the tight-knit Tamil community, he grapples with his loyalties as he uncovers the hidden dynamics of a neighborhood that celebrates both Tamil traditions and life in France. Lawrence Valin’s directorial debut combines the grit of a crime thriller with a profound exploration of identity. Featuring seasoned actress Raadhika Sarathkumar and writer Vela Ramamoorthy, the film delves into Michael’s internal conflict as he balances his official duty with a moral calling. As he delves deeper into the criminal underworld, Little Jaffna sheds light on the struggles of a community caught between two cultures, presenting a nuanced narrative that resonates with audiences at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals.

Screenings:
  • October 20 2024, 4.30 pm – 6.05 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 22 2024, 1.00 pm – 2.35 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 23 2024, 9.45 pm – 11.20 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 4]

Nocturnes

In Nocturnes, the night reveals a hidden world as ecologist Mansi and Bicki, a young member of the indigenous Bugun community, embark on a mission to unravel the mysteries of hawk moths in the Eastern Himalayas. Their nights are spent hanging illuminated screens in the lush, vibrant forests, enticing the elusive moths into view. As they wait in anticipation, the film captures not just the stunning visuals of these creatures, but also the deep connection between humans and nature. Co-directors Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan elevate the nature documentary genre, turning their lens on the act of filmmaking itself. With breathtaking nighttime cinematography by Satya Rai and an immersive soundscape by Tom Paul and Shreyank Nanjappa, Nocturnes invites viewers to appreciate the intricate web of life, encouraging a fresh perspective on our relationship with the environment. This meditative journey challenges the human-centric view of existence and reveals the profound interconnectedness of all living beings.

Screenings:
  • October 21 2024, 4.30 pm – 5.55 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 22 2024, 10.00 am – 11.25 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 23 2024, 6.45 pm – 8.10 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]

Pooja, Sir

Director Deepak Rauniyar’s Pooja, Sir had arrived at the Venice and Busan International Film Festivals with a bold exploration of queerness, identity, and institutional rot in Nepal. Set during the 2015 ethnic protests, the film centres on Pooja, Nepal’s first female detective, who is dispatched from Kathmandu to solve the kidnapping of two boys in a volatile border town. There, she finds herself navigating layers of political unrest and prejudice, eventually teaming up with Mamata, a Madhesi policewoman, to break through the barriers of corruption and misogyny. Asha Magrati, who co-wrote the screenplay, delivers a nuanced portrayal of Pooja, capturing the challenges of being a queer woman in a male-dominated field. The partnership between Pooja and Mamata becomes both a powerful investigation and an exploration of sisterhood forged under fire. Inspired by real events, Rauniyar’s third feature offers a tightly woven police procedural that raises compelling questions about justice, identity, and personal cost.

Screenings:
  • October 20 2024, 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 21 2024, 1.30 pm –  3.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 24 2024, 9.30 pm – 11.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]

Phool Ka Chand [Rhythm of a Flower]

Premiering for the first time at MAMI on October 20, Rhythm of a Flower is Amit Dutta’s first feature-length animation, inspired by the life of renowned Indian classical vocalist Kumar Gandharva. During his six-year battle with tuberculosis, Gandharva lay bedridden, humming softly to himself, unsure if he would ever sing again—a moment that serves as the heart of this poetic biopic. Animated by Allen Shaw in delicate watercolours, the film moves between Hindi and Marathi, mirroring the fluidity of Gandharva’s music. It drifts through scenes of his childhood, youth, and later years as a teacher, blending reality with fantasy: flowers bloom into gramophones, tanpuras grow into trees, and musical notes flutter into birds. With its cyclical structure, the film echoes Gandharva’s art, where sounds and ideas return like refrains in a melody. Offering a contemplative space for reflection, Rhythm of a Flower celebrates the beauty of transformation and the gentle resilience of the human spirit.
Screenings:
  • October 20 2024, 1.00 pm –  2.20 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 21 2024, 7.00 pm –   8.20 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 23 2024, 10.15 am – 11.35 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]

Santosh

Sandhya Suri’s feature debut, Santosh, emerged from years of research and personal encounters. The story follows a newly widowed woman who inherits her husband’s police constable job in rural northern India, drawing from real-life government schemes. But it is reductive to term the film a crime drama—it’s a sharp exploration of power within the police force, caste, and gender. The idea came to Suri after witnessing female officers restraining protestors during the 2012 Nirbhaya protests. Fascinated by the blurred lines between authority and oppression, she developed the screenplay with support from Sundance Labs. Produced across the UK, France, Germany, and India, Santosh blends documentary realism with noir fiction. Its outdoor set pieces, shot by Lennert Hillege, and the naturalistic performances of Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar add depth to this gripping narrative. Premiering at Cannes, the film also captivated audiences at Telluride, Toronto, and Busan, making it a standout debut.

Screenings:

  • October 21 2024, 5.00 pm –  7.05 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 23 2024, 12.45 pm – 2.50 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 5]
  • October 24 2024, 10.00 pm – 12.05 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 4]

Shambhala

Set against the backdrop of a polyandrous village in Nepal, Shambhala follows Pema, a pregnant newlywed, whose life takes a tumultuous turn when her first husband, Tashi, disappears on the trade route to Lhasa. Accompanied by Karma, her monk-husband, Pema ventures into the unforgiving Himalayan wilderness to find him—a journey that slowly transforms into one of self-discovery and inner liberation. Min Bahadur Bham’s sophomore feature is as much a visual odyssey as a narrative one. Shot in both fixed, meditative frames and handheld sequences, the film mirrors Pema’s shifting emotional landscape, capturing moments of isolation, resilience, and introspection. Cinematographer Aziz Zhambakiyev’s roving camera embraces Nepal’s rugged beauty, with wide-angle shots of prayer flags fluttering against vast mountain ranges. The film’s thematic undercurrent draws from Buddhist philosophy, balancing impermanence with mindfulness. Presented in Nepali and Tibetan, Shambhala has earned recognition at prestigious festivals, including Berlin, Locarno, and BFI London, solidifying Bham’s distinct Himalayan storytelling style.

  • October 22 2024, 8.00 pm – 10.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 23 2024, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 24 2024, 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]

The Fable

Nine years after Thithi (2015), Raam Reddy returns with The Fable, a departure from his debut that feels both whimsical and profound. Set in the late 1980s, the story unfolds in Teen Pahad, a lush Himalayan estate presided over by Dev (Manoj Bajpayee), a quiet man obsessed with crafting mechanical wings to soar over the valley. His idyllic existence unravels when trees in the orchard mysteriously catch fire, forcing him to confront unsettling truths about his world and family. Shot on 16mm in muted, earthen tones, the film evokes an otherworldly yet tactile experience, where magic and reality merge seamlessly. Reddy’s use of texture and sound immerses the audience in a world suspended between fantasy and introspection. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, The Fable reflects years of perseverance, delivering a cinematic meditation on nature, legacy, and self-discovery, where even the mundane carries traces of the mystical.

  • October 20 2024, 7.30 pm – 8.25 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 2]
  • October 23 2024, 4.30 pm – 6.25 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]
  • October 24 2024, 1.30 pm – 3.25 pm [Juhu PVR Dynamix Mall, Juhu – Audi 3]

Zara Flavia Dmello

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