It's been 75 years of Punjabi cinema, and a first of its kind film fest in town celebrates

Punjab, screen production has proven, is about more than farms and flamboyance. It was back in 1935 that the first Punjabi movie went to theatres, and Punjabi Academy is all set to celebrate the diamond jubilee with the first ever International Punjabi Film Festival in the country. And none other than saddi Dilli's playing host.


Punjabi by nature: Hashar

Dazzling dozen
This four-day long extravaganza will screen some critically-acclaimed and awarded Punjabi flicks. Also, it will provide a platform tou00a0 noted directors, producers and artistes who make Punjabi films what they are. In discussion will be topics like different aspects of filmmaking, direction and acting. "Through this do, we hope to connect people of Delhi with the soil of Punjab", says Rawail Singh, secretary, Punjabi Academy.

And, it promises to dispel theu00a0 myth that the state's all money, no culture. "There're 12 films line up, with Deepa Mehta's Videsh, Sabiha Sumar's Khamosh Pani, Navneet Singh's Tera Mera Ki Rishta and Shoaib mansoor's Khuda Ke Liye making it to the list", adds Rawail, explaining how each of these is meant to show the world that Punjab is full of issues to address, and not just NRI talk.

Each film will be followed by an interaction aimed at improving the art.

"One cannot deny that Punjabi films are not up to the standards of a Bollywood movie. Though the cinematography and content has improved over years, there is lot to be achieved. The main problem is that Punjabi movies are not tackling the subjects that reflect the true Punjab and its problems," he signs off. Delhi, dress up for the desi dress circle.

International Punjabi Film Festival
When: January 22-25
Where: FICCI Auditorium, Mandi House and Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Gole Market
Ring: Barkha 9899563557

Cut-n-keep schedule