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Tag: Shyam Benegal

  • Centre considering dedicated documentary TV channel: Rathore

    Centre considering dedicated documentary TV channel: Rathore

    MUMBAI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said his Ministry was seriously contemplating a dedicated channel for documentary, short and animation films.

     

    However, he said it was difficult to say at this stage whether it would be a new channel or an existing channel like Doordarshan’s DD Bharati.

     

    Speaking at the inauguration of the 14th edition of Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films – MIFF 2016 – which was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rathore said that documentaries more than features ‘shake us’ and bring about changes in society.

     

    At the same time, he said that the Films Division, which runs the festival needs to innovate and re-invent itself if it had to remain in the public eye and ‘find a reason to exist.’ Rathore cited that the MIFF was part of that process as it gave new vitality to documentary, short and feature films, which get a strong platform here.

     

    He was particularly satisfied that the Division had taken the bold step of FD Zone, whereby documentary films are being shown in other cities at the same time as MIFF.

     

    Rathore said that the I&B Ministry would continue to make efforts to make things easier for makers of documentary, short and animation films. “The mushrooming of so many news and current affairs channels can be probed to help exhibit these films.

    Documentary filmmakers are strong storytellers who move audiences with their films. Digital technology has ushered in a new era in film making and is greatly contributing to the documentary film movement,” he said.

     

    “It is heartening to note that our film makers, despite having great financial hurdles have gone ahead and made excellent films, displaying a mature approach while dealing with social and economic issues. Such films should not remain unseen,” Rathore added.

     

    He also said that the Government was in favour of ensuring that the power and freedom of the filmmaker was not limited by archaic certification laws and referred to setting up of the Shyam Benegal Committee to examine the entire certification process.

     

    Benegal was a Guest of Honour at the inauguration, which also included MIFF brand ambassador Jackie Shroff, Indian Documentary Producers Association president Mike Pandey and Festival director Mukesh Sharma.

     

    Veteran wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Naresh Bedi, who along with his brother Rajesh has been making films for over 45 years, received the V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to documentary filmmaking. Filmmaker Kiran Shantaram, who is son of the late V Shantaram, presented the award comprising a trophy, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. 

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said that he had offered land to the central government in the Film City in Mumbai for building the long-pending Centre of Excellence in Animation and Gaming. “The state will extend all help in this process,” he said.

     

    Earlier, Benegal said it was sad that while such a prestigious festival was being held, no serious thought was being given to exhibiting and distributing these films. “Ways need to be found to ensure that filmmakers who dabble in the documentary format get their money back to be able to make more films as many are not even able to pay back the loans they took for such films. This is imperative at a time when digital cameras and even cellphones can be used to make films,” he said.

     

    A total of 385 documentaries, short and animation films will be screened during the Festival, which is held every second year in Mumbai. The Festival concludes on 3 February.

     

    The event, organised by the Films Division of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry is supported by the Maharashtra Government.

  • Centre considering dedicated documentary TV channel: Rathore

    Centre considering dedicated documentary TV channel: Rathore

    MUMBAI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said his Ministry was seriously contemplating a dedicated channel for documentary, short and animation films.

     

    However, he said it was difficult to say at this stage whether it would be a new channel or an existing channel like Doordarshan’s DD Bharati.

     

    Speaking at the inauguration of the 14th edition of Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films – MIFF 2016 – which was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rathore said that documentaries more than features ‘shake us’ and bring about changes in society.

     

    At the same time, he said that the Films Division, which runs the festival needs to innovate and re-invent itself if it had to remain in the public eye and ‘find a reason to exist.’ Rathore cited that the MIFF was part of that process as it gave new vitality to documentary, short and feature films, which get a strong platform here.

     

    He was particularly satisfied that the Division had taken the bold step of FD Zone, whereby documentary films are being shown in other cities at the same time as MIFF.

     

    Rathore said that the I&B Ministry would continue to make efforts to make things easier for makers of documentary, short and animation films. “The mushrooming of so many news and current affairs channels can be probed to help exhibit these films.

    Documentary filmmakers are strong storytellers who move audiences with their films. Digital technology has ushered in a new era in film making and is greatly contributing to the documentary film movement,” he said.

     

    “It is heartening to note that our film makers, despite having great financial hurdles have gone ahead and made excellent films, displaying a mature approach while dealing with social and economic issues. Such films should not remain unseen,” Rathore added.

     

    He also said that the Government was in favour of ensuring that the power and freedom of the filmmaker was not limited by archaic certification laws and referred to setting up of the Shyam Benegal Committee to examine the entire certification process.

     

    Benegal was a Guest of Honour at the inauguration, which also included MIFF brand ambassador Jackie Shroff, Indian Documentary Producers Association president Mike Pandey and Festival director Mukesh Sharma.

     

    Veteran wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Naresh Bedi, who along with his brother Rajesh has been making films for over 45 years, received the V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to documentary filmmaking. Filmmaker Kiran Shantaram, who is son of the late V Shantaram, presented the award comprising a trophy, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. 

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said that he had offered land to the central government in the Film City in Mumbai for building the long-pending Centre of Excellence in Animation and Gaming. “The state will extend all help in this process,” he said.

     

    Earlier, Benegal said it was sad that while such a prestigious festival was being held, no serious thought was being given to exhibiting and distributing these films. “Ways need to be found to ensure that filmmakers who dabble in the documentary format get their money back to be able to make more films as many are not even able to pay back the loans they took for such films. This is imperative at a time when digital cameras and even cellphones can be used to make films,” he said.

     

    A total of 385 documentaries, short and animation films will be screened during the Festival, which is held every second year in Mumbai. The Festival concludes on 3 February.

     

    The event, organised by the Films Division of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry is supported by the Maharashtra Government.

  • Shyam Benegal favours dedicated science & tech TV channel to promote scientific temper

    Shyam Benegal favours dedicated science & tech TV channel to promote scientific temper

    NEW DELHI: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has stressed the need for a 24-hour dedicated science & technology television channel to promote scientific temper in the country. 

     

    Addressing a press conference about the upcoming National Science Film Festival at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, Benegal said,  “A dedicated TV channel will go a long way in helping spread scientific temper and rational thinking among the citizens.”

     

    He said such a channel is the need of the hour to highlight issues on science, technology, environment, health and hygiene among other things.

     

    “A 24 hour S&T TV channel will be a fitting tribute to late Narendra Dabhgolkar who laid down his life in the pursuit of spreading scientific temper and creating a rational society,” Benegal added.

     

    Benegal complimented the Nehru Science Centre and Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous body under the Science and Technology Ministry for joining hands to organise the 6th National Science Film Festival in Mumbai from 9 to 13 February. 

     

    He said 45 films have been shortlisted to be screened during the festival. “The jury was pleasantly surprised to see quality films that have been made by professionals and school students. Most of the films, some from remote areas of the country, touch upon the local issues of environment, livelihoods, health and local innovation,” he said. 

     

    The winning films will be honoured with the Silver Beaver Awards and cash prizes. 

     

    Benegal is the chairperson of the National Jury. The other members of the jury include senior writer and art director Shama Zaidi; film editor Aseem Sinha; Prof. Iftekhar Ahmad, who is the director of AJK MCRC, New Delhi; Prasar Bharati Additional Director General Aparna Vaish; Dr Sabyasachi Bhattacharya who is a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; film historian and curator Amrit Gangar; filmmaker Aruna Raje Patil, filmmaker and environmentalist Anil P. Joshi.

     

    Professional workshops on science film making will also be organised during NSFF 2016 in which renowned science film makers will share their experience with the participants. Film enthusiast can participate in the workshop by filling up an online application form at www.vigyanprasar.gov.in.

  • Films Division working on docu TV channel & resumption of short films in theatres: Mukesh Sharma

    Films Division working on docu TV channel & resumption of short films in theatres: Mukesh Sharma

    NEW DELHI: A total of 110 films from over twenty countries including India will be screened in four sections at the forthcoming 14th edition of the Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films later this month.

     

    Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal will be the chief guest for the inauguration on 28 January and the Festival will conclude on 3 February. Actor Jackie Shroff, the first ever brand ambassador for the Festival, will also be present.

     

    A record 825 entries had been received for the competition and 110 shortlisted for the international, National, New Media and Animation categories.

     

    The five-member Jury for the International section is headed by Den Askarian of Germany and other members are: Jesper Andersen from Denmark, Mathieu Roy from Canada, and Siddharth Kak and Gitanjali Rao from India.

     

    The National Jury is headed by filmmaker Mike Pandey and its members are: Biju Dhanapalan and Uma d’Cunha from India, Andrius Stonys from Lithuania and Jane Yu from Taiwan. 

     

    The jury for a special section on Public Service Awareness will be headed by the veteran Ramesh Meer with Sekhar Muklharjee and Ashish Kulkarni as members.

     

    In another major shift, the screenings of the films in the Festival will be held at the Films Division theatres, Russian Culture Centre and Sophia College theatres at Pedder Road, Mumbai. Until now, the Festival has been held at the Tata Centre at Nariman Point.

     

    The inauguration and closing functions will be held at the Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi at 5 pm on 28 January and 3 February respectively.

     

    This Festival, which is held every alternate year is organised by the Films Division and is supported by the Maharashtra Government.

     

    There will be a Prism section, which will be non-competitive.

     

    Festival Director Mukesh Sharma told a press meet that the award amount will be Rs 55 lakh, Golden Conches, Trophies and Certificates and included Rs 5 lakh for the V Shantaram Memorial Award given for lifetime achievement. 

     

    Answering a question, he said he was pursuing with the Government the need for a separate channel run by Prasar Bharati on documentaries and shorts and for resuming short films before the feature in all theatres.

     

    Mike Pandey said he would keen to see an educational television channel, which would include all kinds of films.

     

    Answering a question, Sharma said that the Division had now opened up to NGOs and othes to make films for it. 

     

    The Festival will have retrospectives as tributes of Harun Farocki of Germany and Michael Glawogger of Austria, and a special screening of the films of Fernando Melgar of Switzerland.

     

    Homage will be paid through film screenings to K K Chandran, Krishna Mohan, Nirand N Mohapatra, Idessa Sathya, Prem Vaidya, and Ravi Jadhav who died in the last two years.

     

    Other sections include a retrospective of films by Jury members, and special packages such as Artists Cinema, CMS Vatavaran, Public Service Broadcasting Trust, Mexican Institute Films, Italian and Latvian animation, Serbian Films, NFB Animation by Torril Kove, and Wadia Movietone; students workshops and Master Classes; apart from workshops, a seminar, and a daily Open Forum. 

     

    Rajiv Kumar who heads the Films Division office in Delhi said simultaneous screenings will be held in Delhi from 29 January to 1 February. 

      

    Buoyed by the warm reception to the MIFF zone screening of competition films in National category in cities other than Mumbai during the 13th MIFF, screenings will be held simultaneously in New Delhi, Chennail, Bangalore, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Lucknow, Nagpur and Thrissur. MIFF zone is aimed at taking the competition films to film lovers who are unable to travel to Mumbai for the MIFF. Screenings will also be held at the University auditorium Kalina, Mumbai.

  • Shyam Benegal to head committee examining film censorship

    Shyam Benegal to head committee examining film censorship

    NEW DELHI: A Committee headed by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has been constituted by the Government to suggest a paradigm that ensures that artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled or curtailed even as films are certified.
     
    Noting that “in most countries of the world there is a mechanism / process of certifying feature films and documentaries,” an official release also said that the attempt should also be that “the people tasked with the work of certification understand these nuances.”
     
    The recommendations of this Committee are expected to provide a holistic framework and enable those tasked with the work of certification of films to discharge their responsibilities keeping in view this framework. 
     
    The note said Indian films have a glorious history and a whole lot of Indian films have enriched the cultural milieu of the country besides making astonishing advances in technical aspects of film making. 
     
    During their deliberations, the Committee would be expected to take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression. 
     
    The Committee would recommend broad guidelines / procedures under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952 / Rules for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee. The staffing pattern of Central Board of Film Certification would also be looked into in an effort to recommend a framework, which would provide efficient and transparent user friendly services. 
     
    The other Members of the Committee include filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, creative director Piyush Pandey, media veteran Bhawana Somayya, National Film Development Corporation managing director Nina Lath Gupta, and Joint Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy as Member Convenor. The Committee has been requested to submit its recommendations within two months.  
     

    Welcoming the appointment of the Committee, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Pahlaj Nihalani told Indiantelevision.com that he hoped the report will clear the air as far as certifying films was concerned.
     
    In a telephonic interview from Mumbai, Nihalani said that it was necessary to protect the freedom of speech and the right of a filmmaker, but this could not be done at the cost of permitting all kinds of language or innuendos.
     
    He, therefore, suggested that there was need for extending the certification scope by introducing two categories beyond those at present. The categories at present are Universal (U), Universal with Adult Guidance (U/A), and Adult (A). 
     
    He felt that while not permitting pornography, there should be two categories beyond the A category: A+ and A++. 
     
    Meanwhile, Benegal said in an interview to a newspaper in Mumbai that his committee does not have anything to do with Nihalani. He added that many of the guidelines need to be looked at from time to time since society was an entity where things keep changing, sensibilities change and viewers change. 
     
    This is not the first time that such a committee has been set up. After earlier attempts, the last Committee that examined similar issues was headed by Mukul Mudgal. However, no action has been taken on that report submitted in 2013.

  • DD to telecast film ‘Manthan’ on National Milk Day

    DD to telecast film ‘Manthan’ on National Milk Day

    NEW DELHI: The National award-winning feature film ‘Manthan’ by Shyam Benegal based will be telecast by Doordarshan National on 26 November at 9:30 am to celebrate ‘National Milk Day’.

     
    The 1976 Hindi film, jointly written by Verghese Kurien and Benegal, is set amidst the backdrop of the White Revolution of India which started in 1970.

     
    The title track of the film Mero gaam kathaparey has been popularly used as the soundtrack for the television commercial for Amul.

     
    This day is being observed across the country to commemorate the birth anniversary of Verghese Kurien, also known as the father of White Revolution in India.

     

  • Shyam Benegal will make a 90 minute feature for Punjab government

    Shyam Benegal will make a 90 minute feature for Punjab government

    MUMBAI: One of the most renowned filmmakers in Hindi cinema, Shyam Benegal will be making a 90-minute film on the turbulent history of Punjab, a task which has been entrusted on him by the Government of Punjab.

     

    Benegal is known for some of his brilliant work in Hindi cinema, just to name a few: Ankur (1974), Bhumika: The Role (1977), Kalyug (1981), Mandi (1983), Zubeidaa (2001) and more recently Well Done Abba! (2009).

    He will be starting off with the work by monsoon as soon as he is ready with the script and is expecting the film to be ready by December. He feels the project is a great initiative by the government as a lot of youngsters aren’t aware about the formation of the present-day Punjab.

     

    The film will first be screened at the cultural centre, and later will be available on other platforms for viewing.

  • MIFF 2014 concludes amid much fanfare

    MIFF 2014 concludes amid much fanfare

    NEW DELHI: Are you listening by Kamar Ahmed Simon won the Golden Conch Award for best documentary film while Nishtha Jain with her Gulabi Gang was named best director at the recently concluded 13th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, short and animation films.

     

    Eminent filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Shyam Benegal presented the awards as the curtains came down to the seven-day festival.

     

    Jury 1 comprised filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, film curator Angela Haardt from Germany, Director of the Yamagata Documentary Film Festival – Fujioka Asako of Japan, Slovenian film scholar Jurij Meden, and noted animator from Mumbai Shilpa Ranade.  Jury II comprised Canadian filmmaker Mark Achbar, film director and editor Amitabh Chakrabarty, film maker from Kerala M R Rajan, noted cinematographer Piyush Shah, and Netherlands based film scholar Rada Sesic.

     

    The 90-minute documentary by Simon won the award in the above 60-minutes category. It gets the Golden Conch trophy and Rs 500,000 cash prize (Rs 300,000 for the Director and Rs 200,000 for the producer – Sara Afreen). Set in the coastal belt of Bangladesh, the film is a powerful and beautifully photographed film that reveals the alarming effects of climate change and deftly captures the fighting spirit of a community and their will to survive. The global issue of climate change is experienced in microcosm in Simon’s film, as he observes the families of Sutarkhali.

     

    The Golden Conch for Best Documentary Film up to 60 minutes went to Maria Stodtmeier’s (Germany) In Between : Isang Yun in North and South Korea. This documentary explores whether music can overcome the boundaries of a divided country. It examines the worlds of North and South Korean music, taking the viewer along on an exciting journey through two political systems. It got the Golden Conch trophy and Rs 500,000 cash prize (Rs 300,000 for the Director and Rs 200,000 for the producer – Paul Smaczny).

     

    Black Rock directed by Vikrant Janardhan Pawar and produced by the Film and Television Institute of India was adjudged the Best Short Fiction film in International Competition. It got the Golden Conch trophy and Rs 500,000 cash prize (Rs 300,000 for the Director and Rs 200,000 for the producer – FTII).

     

    The Golden Conch Best Animation Film award went to True Love Story by Gitanjali Rao. This 18-minute animation set in the streets of Mumbai explores what happens when the ultimate Bollywood fantasy is applied in reality. It gives a glimpse into the influence of Bollywood on real life in Mumbai, told through puppet animation. The award carried a Golden Conch and Rs 500,000 cash prize.

     

    The film on Right to Information, Chakravyuh, by National Film award-winner Dhvani Desai was voted the most popular film, a new award chosen through voting by festival delegates. Chakravyuh through the struggles of four characters from different regions of India throws light on how the RTI can be used to fight corruption. The film produced by Films Division was first shown on 12 October 2013 on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of RTI in Mumbai.

     

    Nishtha Jain received Rs 100,000 cash award and a certificate got the Best Director Award in the International Competition section. Gulabi Gang tells the story of Sampat Pal and her group of women vigilantes and activists from Bundelkhand, who fight for women’s rights and their empowerment. Armed with a lathi (stick) the Gulabis visit abusive husbands and beat them up unless they stop abusing their wives. The film has won several other awards, and there are plans to release it in theatres on 21 February as part of PVR Director’s Rare initiative. Jain, an alumnus of FTII, is based in Mumbai.

     

    The Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award went to Mumbai based filmmaker Dylan Mohan Gray’s film Fire in the Blood for Best Debut Film of a Director. The 84-minute film tells the story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments blocked access to low-cost AIDS drugs for the countries of the global south in the years after 1996 – causing ten million or more unnecessary deaths – and the improbable group of people who decided to fight back. This award carrying a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a Trophy has been instituted by the Maharashtra Film Development Corporation, Mumbai

     

    The Indian Documentary Producers Association Award for the best student film went to Sonyacha Amba (Golden Mango) directed by Govind Raju and produced by FTII, Pune. This film had participated in the Berlin and Beijing festivals as well. The Rs 100,000 cash and Trophy is given by the IDPA.

     

    The Pramod Pati Award for most Innovative film, carrying a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a trophy went to Pushpa Rawat’s 57-minute documentary Nirnay (Decision). The film explores the lives of women in a lower middle class colony in Ghaziabad, who are young and educated, but feel bound and helpless when it comes to major decisions about their lives, be it career or marriage.

     

    The Kashmiri film Tamaash (The Puppets) got the Golden Conch for the best Short Fiction Film up to 45 minutes in the National Competition. Tamaash is the first film by directors Satyanshu and Devanshu Singh, who also wrote, edited, and produced it, along with Tulsea Pictures. The film insists on the power of goodness and the importance of preserving the innocence of children.  It had won the Golden Elephant Award at the International Children’s Film Festival held in Hyderabad during November 2013. Along with the Golden Conch, the filmmakers also get Rs 250,000 cash award.

     

    In the National Competition section, Seven Hundred Zero Zero Seven by Altaf Mazid got the Golden Conch for Best Documentary (upto 40 minutes), while Have You Seen the Arana by Sunanda Bhat and Invoking Justice by well-known Deepa Dhanraj shared the  Best Documentary Awards in above 40 minutes category.

  • National Film Museum to finally open next week in Mumbai

    National Film Museum to finally open next week in Mumbai

    NEW DELHI: The long-in-the-making National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) showcasing India’s rich film heritage over the past 100 years will finally open in Mumbai next week to coincide with the Mumbai International Film Festival for shorts, documentaries and animation films.

     

    Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Manish Tewari will be the chief guest at the opening of the Festival on 3 February. 

     

    “As the Indian cinema enters a new century, the national museum of Indian cinema coming up in Mumbai is a small tribute of the Ministry to the great film heritage of India. We have also launched a Rs-600 crore National Film Heritage Mission to digitise best of Indian cinematic works and archive them for the benefit of future generations,” said Tewari recently while outlining various steps taken by the government to promote cinema in India.

     

    The Minister also reviewed the preparations for the museum’s inauguration with Films Division officials and experts. The inauguration will coincide with the Mumbai International Film Festival for short, documentary and animation films that commences on 3 February.

      
    The National Museum of Indian Cinema is situated in the 6,000 square-foot Gulshan Mahal – a heritage building on Pedder Road in South Mumbai. Gulshan Mahal’s interiors have been refurbished to house an interactive walkthrough down cinema’s memory lane. It is part of a larger complex of 50,000 sqft that will come up in phases.

     
    The museum will be a ready-reckoner of the history of Indian cinema showcasing technological aspects of production and screening of films, as well as its social aspects during the past 100 years. Through its interactive galleries, it will trace the evolution of celluloid from the Lumiere Brothers, Raja Harishchandra onwards, and showcase Indian cinema in three stages – silent era, golden era and the modern era. It will portray the footsteps taken by Indian cinema, from the period of silent films to the studio period, and then recreate the times when stars and mega stars dominated the silver screen.

     

    An Advisory Committee headed by renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal has guided the Films Division in establishing the museum.

     

    Visitors can also watch clips of old classics on a number of monitors or listen to rare film music from the past. There is also an interesting collection of posters of landmark movies from across India. A section on regional cinema is also on display.

     

    Many famous studios of yesteryears like Mehboob Studios, RK Studios and Prasad Studios have donated equipment to the museum. Some private collectors too have come forward to donate items. The Films Division, which was set up in 1941, to produce short films to disseminate information during war time, has also displayed old Eymo and Mitchel cameras, recording equipment etc. Also of interest are some older instruments that created an illusion of movement, which were precursor to the movie camera. 

    NMIC has been curated by the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata, under the Ministry of Culture, which manages 55 various kinds of museums in the country.

  • Lunch Box among four Indian films competing for 7th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

    Lunch Box among four Indian films competing for 7th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

    NEW DELHI: ‘Goopy Gawaiyaa Bagha Bajaiyaa’ by Shilpa Ranade, the animation film which is opening the International Children’s Film Festival of India, is among the 39 films from 22 countries will compete in the 7th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in Brisbane on 12 December.

    A total of four Indian films including Ritesh Batra’s Lunch Box are among the nominated films for the awards.

    The jury headed by Indian director Shyam Benegal, are South Korean director Kim Tae-yong,Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka, Turkish actor Tamer Levent, Swiss director Christoph Schaub and Hong Kong producer Albert Lee.

    For the first time there are nominations from Bangladesh, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. They come within the event’s broad definition of “Asia Pacific” that includes 70 territories with a combined population of 4.5 billion.

    Hany Abu-Assad’s Omar (pictured) from Palestine received the most nominations. It is shortlisted for Best Feature Film as well in addition to nominations for actor Adam Bakri and cinematographer Ehab Assal.

    The country with the most nominations is Japan, with six nominations in five categories, including Best Feature Film for Kore-eda Hirokazu’s family drama Like Father, Like Son.

    The five other Best Feature nominations are Bangladesh’s Television, Sri Lanka’s With You, Without You Oba nathuwa oba ekka, Australia’s The Turning Point and Iran’s The Past (Le Passé).