Works of 12 Women Directors in World Cinema

From its inception itself, the International Film Festival of Kerala has given due prominence for women in the field of film making. In this 18^th installment of the festival, there are 12 directors with their films in the World Cinema Category. All these films handle the prominent socio-political issues faced by the society in their own regions.

Naseeruddin Shah in 'Zinda Bhaag' directed by Meenu Gaur & Farjad Nabi

Pakistani Directors Duo, Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi’s ‘Zinda Bhaag’ is one of the key attractions of the festival. The film opened the road for Pakistani films into the Best Foreign Film category at the 86^th Oscars after a long period of five decades. In this comedy drama, veteran Indian actor Naseerudin Shah plays a prominent role along with Amna Ilyas and Khurram Patras. The film was also recently concluded seventh edition of ‘Film Bazaar’ initiative by National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

Hannah Espia’s ‘Transit’ deals with the controversial Israeli immigration law which deports the children of the immigrants from Israel. This film is also the official entry from Philippines for the best foreign film in the Oscars and competed in the 18th Busan International Film Festival, South Korea. ‘Transit’ bagged nine awards including the one for best film, director and actor (female) in the 2013 Cinemalaya Film Festival. The director had said that the film is inspired from real life events.

Mariana Rondon's 'Pelo Malo\

One of the most renowned Venezuelan writer - director- producer Mariana Rondón’s ‘Pelo Malo’ is about a nine year boy who is trying his best to win his mother’s appreciation. The film till now has won seven awards at various international film festivals including the FIPRESCI Prize at Thessaloniki Film Festival 2013. Mariana Rondon is the recipient of 12 international awards and has won great appreciation for her films in her 14 year long career.

Polish director Agnieszka Holland a forever jury member at the IFFK, has made her works always speak about the free political thinking. As a prominent Polish filmmaker, she has contributed greatly to Polish Films’ development and reach. Holland has received 15 international awards and an academy award nomination for her 1992 history-war drama ‘Europa Europa’. Her latest directorial venture ‘Burning Bush’ is to be screened in the world cinema category.

Hala Lofty's 'Coming forth by day'

‘Coming forth by day’ by Egyptian director Hala Lotfy is the story of a mother and her daughter and her bed ridden father. The film is based on the life in Cairo city at a time of conflict in Egypt.  

Claire Denis tells the story of how the powerful escape from the crimes they have committed through their influence through the French suspense film, ‘Bastards’. The film runs through the lives of Marco, a ship captain, Sandra his sister and Eduard Laporte a powerful businessman.

‘House of Turret’ Black and white experiment directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Eva Neyman is another much awaited film.

 ‘My Dog Killer’ the Slovakian film had won the Best Foreign film award at the 2013 Oscars. The film featured in the 18^th IFFK is directed by Mira Fornay. The film deals with the theme of existence and revolves around the life of Marek whose only friend is his pet dog.

Joanna Lombardi's 'In House'

Three generations of mothers forced to live together in a room forms the plot for the film, ‘In House’. Joanna Lombardi the director portrays the tale of isolation and rejection through this story. The Peruvian film has won accolades all over the world.

Susanna Bies’ ‘Love is all you need’ is a Danish romantic comedy which travels through the life of Ida, a hair dresser who finds out that her husband is cheating on her. The film has been screened in many film festivals and has won awards for Best actress at the Zulu Film awards.

Ana Guevara has co directed ‘So Much Water ‘with Leticia George. The film has won the Best screenplay and the Grandprix at the Miami Film festival and won the Best Picture at the Guadalajara Festival and was screened at London, Montreal, Buenos Aires and Panama Festivals. The story revolves around the transition of childhood into teenage.

Lucia Puenzo’s ‘The German Doctor’ is set in the 60’s is about how an argentine family unknowingly befriends a Nazi War criminal. The film is a haunting tale with a tint of a conspiracy thriller and an emotional tale. These films will prove that the women filmmakers of our time are making films in par with the technical and creative quality of the masters. Their cinematic expressions discuss very complex emotions and will prove to be a showstopper in the festival.