A Small Film with a Big Heart: ‘Left Unsaid’ Makes a Memorable World Premiere
Day 7 of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) offered filmmakers and cinephiles a moving exploration of human connection with the world premiere of Left Unsaid (Lo Que No Se Dijo). This heartfelt Portuguese film, directed by Ricardo Valenzuela Pinilla, was showcased under the “Cinema of the World” section and captivated audiences with its poignant portrayal of interpersonal struggles in the 1990s.
Set in Southern Chile, Left Unsaid tells the story of Margarita, a single mother navigating her career as a mobile phone seller amidst strained familial relationships. Ricardo Valenzuela Pinilla shared, “This story draws from my own life. Margarita is inspired by my mother, who introduced mobile technology to rural areas during the ‘90s. It’s ironic how her profession symbolized connection, yet her personal relationships remained disconnected.” For budding filmmakers, the film served as a testament to how deeply personal stories, rooted in authenticity, resonate universally.
Valenzuela, who also composed the music for the film, reflected on the paradox of modern communication, highlighting the emotional void that often accompanies technological advancements. “Whether in 1994 or 2024, the human desire for genuine connection remains unchanged,” he remarked. For emerging storytellers, this profound message reinforced the importance of creating narratives that bridge the gap between technology and emotion.
Cultural Fusion Takes Center Stage at IFFIesta
The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) added a vibrant cultural dimension to Day 7 with Safarnama: Evolution of Indian Cinema, a multimedia exhibition paying tribute to Indian cinema legends such as Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Tapan Sinha, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. The event brought together over 110 artists from across India, who performed folk and classical dances, embodying the diversity and spirit of India’s cultural heritage.
For filmmakers, witnessing performances such as Odissi, Bihu, Mohiniyattam, and Lavni provided a creative jolt of inspiration. Each dance told its own story, reflecting local customs and rituals. This celebration of art underscored the interdependence of cinema and culture, reminding filmmakers to draw from the rich tapestry of traditions in their storytelling.
Masterclass with Stephen Woolley: Decoding the Role of a Producer
In an engaging masterclass titled Who is a Film Producer? - Five Important Stages of Film Production, Stephen Woolley, the acclaimed British producer, unraveled the nuances of film production. Woolley emphasized the producer’s pivotal role as a collaborator, guiding a film through its journey from concept to release.
“For filmmakers, collaboration is key,” he stressed. “A producer’s role is to facilitate creativity, not dominate it.” Aspiring filmmakers left the session with a clearer understanding of the balance between passion and pragmatism required to bring cinematic visions to life.
Stories with a Message: ‘Venkya,’ ‘Bhootpori,’ and ‘Article 370’
The Indian Panorama-Feature Films section showcased three remarkable films—Venkya (Kannada), Bhootpori(Bengali), and Article 370 (Hindi). Each narrative explored unique themes of transformation, resilience, and patriotism.
Venkya delved into the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery across India’s culturally diverse landscape. Director Sagar Puranik shared, “This film is a tribute to the transformative power of India’s rich traditions.”
Bhootpori redefined the horror genre with its deeply emotional exploration of life, death, and the afterlife. Director Soukarya Ghosal remarked, “This isn’t just a ghost story—it’s a biography of a spirit affected by human actions.”
Article 370, a political thriller, shed light on the complex realities of Kashmir. Writer Monal Thakur described the research-driven process that brought authenticity to the narrative.
These films reminded budding filmmakers of the potential to inspire change and provoke thought through meaningful storytelling.
Takeaways from Day 7
As the festival moved toward its conclusion, Day 7 was a poignant reminder of cinema’s power to connect cultures, evoke emotions, and drive conversations. For budding filmmakers, the day offered invaluable insights—from crafting personal yet universal stories to embracing the richness of cultural diversity in their narratives.
With each event, IFFI 2024 reaffirmed its status as a launchpad for creative exploration, proving that cinema, at its core, is a celebration of humanity’s shared stories and dreams.
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