Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : The Bengal Association, in collaboration with the South Asian Short Film Festival, is organizing the second edition of its International Short Film and Documentary Festival. This three-day cinematic celebration titled “Beyond Bounds-2” takes place from 13th to 15th December 2024 at Muktadhara Auditorium, Banga Sanskriti Bhawan, Gole Market, New Delhi.
Renowned Veteran actor Dhritiman Chatterjee, known for his work in iconic films by Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Cinephiles had the rare opportunity to enjoy a documentary “THE TALKING HEAD” by director Spandan Banerjee on Chatterjee’s illustrious career and contributions to cinema. Prominent figures from the fields of art and culture who attended the inaugural event included renowned Indian dancer and choreographer Smt. Shaswati Sen, NTPC Director Shri Ujjal Bhattacharya, author and human rights activist Taslima Nasrin, film director Shri Shownak Sen, and filmmaker Shri Abhijit Guha, and Noted filmmaker Ladly Mukhopadhya among others.
Beyond Bounds-2 is dedicated to the late Smt Uma Dasgupta, who portrayed the young Durga in Satyajit Ray’s cult classic Pather Panchali. In memory of her life, we are reminded that the magic of cinema lies not just in grand gestures but also in the small, deeply human moments that remain forever.
Tapon Roy president of the Bengal Association said on the occasion “This festival is not just an event the simple coming together of filmmakers and syrup-hills it is a celebration of storytelling, a bridge between the cultures and the mountain of diverse languages and perspectives from across the globe”.
“Founded in 1958 the Bengal Association Delhi has been a beacon of Bengali’s art culture language in the heart of the national capital in the last six decades we have not only been successful in preserving our heritage but also in bringing it with other cultures even transcending boundaries of language and geography. This festival is another bound step in that direction. This year we are proud to present an exceptional lineup of award-winning films that have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide through the medium of short films and documentaries. We explored narratives that unite us in our shared humanity while celebrating our distinct identities. From the United Kingdom and the United States to Iran Bangladesh Sri Lanka Pakistan Afghanistan and various regions of India this festival will soak in stories that compel us to listen, reflect and grow. The spreading is complemented by symposiums and discussions providing a platform for Filmmakers critics distributors and enthusiasts to exchange ideas inside. These conversations are an integral part of the festival, enriching our understanding of cinema’s art and craft and allowing us to celebrate our storytelling and its ability to inspire, educate, and unite”.
The festival promises an enriching experience by screening 25 award-winning films from around the globe. The selection includes a mix of Indian-language films and international entries from countries such as the USA, the UK, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
Speaking with Prodip Ganguly, Secretary of the Bengal Association, he said “The idea is to open up new vistas for cine-goers in Delhi, who seldom have the chance to experience a curated selection of short films and documentaries in one place, and that too free of charge,”
“AT BEYOND BOUNDS Symposiums rich with voices strong, exploring themes where we belong. Through art and cinema, we find our way, Breaking barriers, come what may. It is not just a celebration of cinema but a confluence of creativity imagination and cultural exchange these short films with their diverse narrators and powerful messages remind us of the boundless possibilities of the human spirit and the universal language of emotions this festival is more than an event it is a testament to the enduring power of art to unite to inspire and to challenge us”.
“Beyond film screenings, the festival offers an engaging lineup of panel discussions, expert talks, and interactive sessions with actors, directors, and music artists. These events will delve into various aspects of filmmaking, from creative ideation to technical execution, as well as explore global cinematic trends. Esteemed film scholars, National Award-winning filmmakers, and industry experts will be among the participants.” He added
Rahul Mukherjee, Chief Coordinator of the festival emphasized “We want to showcase that a film festival is not just about watching films but also about understanding the intricate process of filmmaking, the creativity behind the lens, and the technical journey,”
Due to the tremendous response especially from young audiences at last year’s inaugural edition, this year’s event aims to achieve similar success.
The organizer is anticipated to attract hundreds of cinema enthusiasts, including students of film studies. Additionally, a specially curated ‘Street Food Festival’ will accompany the event, providing attendees with a variety of delicious Bengali dishes to enjoy.
The street food festival is where the town’s top chefs and snack experts come together to ensure that one with a smile, a full belly, and perhaps a little grease on their shirt. This festival isn’t just an event; it’s a culinary Olympics, a place where flavours compete for visitors’ attention, with taste buds serving as the judges.
This isn’t just another festival; it’s a celebration of the diverse, bold, and vibrant tastes of the nation, carefully crafted by the masters behind each stall.
A visitor to embark on a culinary journey at the Bengal Association’s Street Food Festival, where one can experience rich and diverse flavours! This vibrant event promises to delight your taste buds with a delicious array of cuisines from every corner of the country.
“FOR THE CHILDREN…BY THE CHILDREN”- a session with Bidisha Roy Das and her experience working with children at the “Foot Print Film Festival Youth Unfiltered. -and A discussion with Director Anup Pan on his film “SWAMI VIVEKANANDA- A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE EAST & THE WEST” -will also be held among other panel discussions.
The films to be screened include Lost for Words directed by Rajaditya Banerjee, Jamna – River Story directed by Ishani K Dutta, Broto Alpona (on Alpona and Rituals) directed by Sharbari Chowdhury, Mon Poboner Nao (on Paban Das Baul) directed by Ladly Mukhopadhaya, Dukhu Majhi (National Award-winning documentary on Padmashri Dukhu Majhi) directed by Somnath Mondol, and Swami Vivekananda – A Bridge Between the East and the West directed by Anup Pan. In the short fiction section, in collaboration with the 7th South Asian Film Festival, we have City of Lights (Bangladesh) directed by Shahadat Russell, Cycle of Eternity (India, Bengali) directed by Souradeep Dutta, Queer Khalifa (USA) directed by Danial Gondal, The Apple (UK) directed by Mayank Sharma, The Beast Inside (Sri Lanka) directed by Nerun Kalpajith, Towards Mina (Iran) directed by Mehdi Arhami, The Clown (Pakistan, Punjabi) directed by Kameel Cheema, Two-Way Street (India) directed by Asmit Pathare, and What Will You Take with You (UK) directed by Adil Sher. 🍁
