Cinema brings people together. It’s also a great way to get a glimpse of a country, its culture and what makes a nation tick. Perhaps one of the best ambassadors of a country is its cinema and its unique cuisine – of course second only to its people. The Indian Film Festival of Ireland (IFFI), now in its 13th year, not only provides an opportunity for the Indian diaspora to celebrate the diverse art and talent of the Indian film industry but also offers a window. A window of opportunity for everyone to get a taste of India.
This year, the festival takes place from October 21st to 24th; ending on Diwali day – one of the most important days in the year for the Indian diaspora. A non-competitive and not-for-profit festival, the theme for its 13th year of celebrations is ‘regional cinema.’
Festival director Siraj Zaidi says, “As many of you know that IFFI has been established over the past decade as Ireland’s boutique film festival, introducing the world’s largest film industry, the Indian cinema to the Irish audience. IFFI 2022 is delighted to reinvent and recreate its glorious structure and will have three distinct features. We shall be screening films, and have a live show during the gala night the next day, including a special tribute to be given to Bharat Ratana Lata Mangeshkar by Dakshina Mishra and Mangala Rajesh. Several Indian classical dancers are especially performing for the IFFI 2022, in order to compliment and celebrate the Indian dance art forms incorporated in our films, such as Kathak and Bharatnatyam.”
What can the audience expect over the four-day event? The Indian Film Festival’s opening night starts with a meet-and-greet event with the National Film Award-winning actor Divya Dutta. (She was awarded the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for her role in the movie Irada). It will be followed by dinner and a screening of the Punjabi film Maa which stars Dutta. The opening ceremony will also have Councillor Michael Clark, Leas-Cathaoirleach, and Dun Laoghaire County Council gracing the event.
Over the next three days, various regional and other Indian films will be showcased with screenings taking place virtually as well. You can expect virtual screenings of films like Stanley Ka Dabba, First Second Chance, Bittersweet (India’s official entry for the Cannes’ Marche Du Film in 2021), Aligarh and many more.
The closing film will be the Malayalam movie E-Valayam and will premiere at Movies at the Square in Tallaght.
The event will also serve Indian food, with the organisers promising “a full delicious Indian dinner” to be served during the festival in the foyer of the cinema hall for guests as well as the visiting dignitaries.
Find all the details of the event, including how to purchase tickets and the line-up of films here.
