The five-day film festival will screen movies from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa besides India.
Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj's upcoming historical drama "Veeram", which stars Kunal Kapoor in the lead role, raised the curtains on Friday at the first edition of BRICS Film Festival in Delhi. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who was the guest of honour.
"The BRICS summit is about to happen in India in a few weeks so, it's obvious to have this festival now. 43% of the world population, about 37% of world's GDP is all between these five nations. I wouldn't be surprised if the world is looking at what these countries are upto," Rathore said while addressing the audience. "Films know no boundaries and stories are universal. I think films are the best way to take our cultures across borders," he added.
"Veeram" is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth", and is the fifth installment in Jayaraj's "Navarasa" series. The film's team was felicitated at the festival. Kunal said he felt honoured that a special movie like "Veeram" got to open the fest. "This is a very special movie. Our blood, sweat and hardwork have gone into its making. I am happy that it is opening the festival and cannot wait for the audience's response," he said on stage. The film is yet to hit the theatres.
The ceremony saw performances from the artists of all the five countries. While a Brazilian band first mesmerised the audience, it was followed by an upbeat dancing-act by a Russian theatre group. Eminent Indian dancer Sonal Mansingh presented her troupe performing various yoga asans in the form of dance, while artists from South Africa and China also gave engaging performances.
The five-day festival will screen films from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa besides India. The closing movie will be Chinese superstar Jackie Chan- starrer "Skiptrace". China will host the next edition of the festival. The festival will also have a competitive section. Each member country will nominate four films showcasing creative talent from selected themes and thus a total of 20 films will be screened.
National Award-winning films "Baahubali-- The Beginning", "Bajirao Mastani", "Cinemawala" and "Thithi" are the Indian films in the competitive section. From Brazil, the films competing are-- "History of Eternity", "Road 47", "Between Valleys" and "They will come back", while Russian movies in the section include "14+", "About Love" and "The battle of Sevastopol". "Go Away Mr Tumour", "Xuan Zang", "The Songs of Phoenix" and "Book of Love 2" are the Chinese movies in competition, and South African films in the category are-- "Free State", "The story of Mahalanga", "Mrs Right Guy" and "Tess".
Cinema delegates from the participating nations were also felicitated that included Bengali filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly and actor Parambrata Chatterjee. Films will be judged by an eminent jury comprising a noted filmmaker of each member country. The jury, including Kannada filmmaker TS Nagabharana, will give their recommendation for an award, which will include a BRICS Gold Medal and certificate of excellence under several categories such as best film, best director, and best actor male and female.
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