MUMBAI: The fourth edition of the South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) will begin in Goa on 26 June. Over 50 films will be screened at the festival, under the theme ‘dissolving boundaries‘.
Said South Asian Foundation secretary-general Rahul Barua, “The festival hopes to create an environment of peace and harmony among the countries of the region.”
Barua confided that the festival provides a forum for filmmakers to discuss their work, exchange creative and technical expertise in filmmaking, and facilitates marketing of films from the countries within the region that will enhance mutual trade opportunities.
The special feature of the SAFF in Goa will be the screening of 12 Iranian films. “Although Iran does not fall in South East Asia, it has similar challenges and difficulties but they make very good films,” Barua added.
Countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will participate in the festival. Films will be screened in four categories: short films, documetary films, classic films and mainstream feature films. The opening night will feature a film from Maldives.
The festival will also feature contemporary films like Dhokha, The Promised Land and Fashion among others. SAFF Goa will see celebrities like Shyam Benegal, Manisha Koirala, Mahesh Bhatt, Madhur Bhandarkar, Prasanna Vithanage and Enamul Karim participating in the event.
The entertainment society of Goa and Kala Academy of Goa are collaborating with the South Asia Foundation and will screen all the films at both the venues.
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