The much-anticipated 16th edition of the Habitat Film Festival (HFF) kicked off at the prestigious India Habitat Centre (IHC) on May 3. The 10-day cinematic extravaganza is living up to the promise it holds for movie enthusiasts, showcasing nearly 40 feature films, 10 documentaries, and three short film packages.
Curated with the usual flair, the festival celebrates the diversity of Indian cinema, featuring works by both seasoned filmmakers and promising newcomers. Among the highlights of this year’s lineup is the opening film, ‘Sthal,’ a Marathi gem directed by Jayant Somalkar.
Winner of the NETPAC Award at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, the film offers a poignant portrayal of Indian matchmaking, challenging societal norms with its compelling narrative.
Following the opening act, audiences were treated to Atul Sabharwal’s espionage drama ‘Berlin,’ featuring local talents Ishwak Singh and Aparshakti Khurana in pivotal roles. ‘Berlin’ showcases Sabharwal’s prowess as a filmmaker, offering a gripping cinematic experience.
Reflecting on the festival’s eclectic programming, Vidyun Singh, Creative Head of Programmes at IHC, emphasized its commitment to showcasing emerging talent and providing a platform for filmmakers to share their stories. “HFF fosters a culture of collective viewing and sharing for filmmakers, cinephiles, and students,” Singh remarked.
In addition to the feature films, the festival’s documentary segment promises to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking narratives. Headlining this section is the Sundance-winning documentary ‘Against the Tide,’ directed by Sarvnik Kaur, which chronicles the journey of two fishermen from Mumbai’s Koli community. Another noteworthy documentary, ‘And, Towards Happy Alleys’ by Sreemoyee Singh, offers a poetic exploration of Iranian cinema and the daily struggles of Iranian women. Utpal Borpujari’s ‘Baruar Xongxar’ (The House of Baruas) is another fascinating offering. “I am really happy and honoured. It’s an opportunity for me to showcase in front of Delhi audiences the amazing history of a 100-year-old house in Guwahati that gave Assam several top filmmakers, musicians, sportspersons, et al. This is that kind of story that is local yet nationally significant,” revealed Borpujari.
A reflection of the diverse range of narratives, ‘Brand Bollywood Down Under,’ directed by Anupam Sharma, promises to be a major attraction for non-fiction lovers. “Australia and India cultural and film links stand at a crucial junction with a bright future thanks to a coproduction treaty and over 75 Million dollars worth of Australian screen content in various stages of development and/or production. This is one of the reasons I am so excited to attend the Delhi Premiere of my film on Australia’s 89 year old love affair with Indian cinema thanks to the 16th Habitat Film Festival,” rejoiced Sharma.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival’s retrospective segment pays tribute to the influential filmmaker Kumar Shahani, featuring selected works that showcase his cinematic brilliance. Notable personalities, including poet Udayan Vajpeyi and actor Mita Vasisht, will introduce Shahani’s acclaimed films, offering insights into his visionary storytelling.
Moreover, the supplementary programs at HFF are providing invaluable guidance for aspiring filmmakers. From screenwriting to film pitching, these sessions offer a holistic understanding of the filmmaking process, empowering emerging talents to navigate the industry with confidence, as the industry experts share their insights and expertise, providing invaluable guidance for those looking to make their mark in the world of cinema.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival, the exhibition showcasing Hindi film posters from the 1970s serves as a nostalgic reminder of Bollywood’s golden era. From iconic classics to forgotten gems, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich history of Indian cinema, delighting cinephiles and collectors alike.
With each passing day, the Habitat Film Festival continues to captivate audiences with its diverse lineup of films, engaging discussions, and interactive workshops. “Our collateral calendar has expanded as well, this time turning more towards aspiring filmmakers in the city with workshops in the areas of screenwriting, film producing, investment and pitching, and filmmaking master classes. We are looking to give everyone more reasons to soak in the festival experience, especially emerging talent in the city looking for mentors and industry exposure,” summed up Singh.
A sizable number of directors are going to be present for the post-screening discussions at the 2024 Habitat Film Festival. Among them are Devashish Makhija (Joram), Arjunn Dutta (Deep Fridge), Jeo Baby (Kaathal – The Core), Atul Sabharwal (Berlin), Haobam Paban Kumar (Joseph’s Son), Dominic Sangma (Rapture), Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan (Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai), Utpal Borpujari (The House of Baruas), Lubhdak Chatterjee (Whispers of Fire & Water), Shruthi Sharanyam (B 32 Muthal 44 Vare), Anand Ekarshi (Aattam), Sujay Dahake (Shyamchi Aai), Parthajit Baruah (Nellier Kotha), Shonet Anthony Barretto (Avni Ki Kismat), and Praveen Arora (Dhai Aakhar).