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#IFFIWood, 23 November 2024

At the 55^th International Film Festival of India, Snow Flower made its mark as part of the Gala Premiere and the cast and crew of the film including the acclaimed director Gajendra Vitthal Ahire, Chhaya Kadam, Vaibhav Mangle and Sarfaraz Alam Safu addressed the media during a Press Conference yesterday in Goa.

This Marathi-language film tells a poignant, cross-country tale that bridges two distinct cultures — Russia and Konkan. Set against the contrasting backdrops of snowy Siberia and lush, green Konkan, the film explores the ‘distance’ between a grandmother living in India and granddaughter living in Russia.

Director Gajendra Vitthal Ahire, shared insights into the creative process behind Snow Flower. Ahire also highlighted the challenges of filming in such extreme conditions. With temperatures dropping to a biting -14°C at Khanty-Mansiysk in Siberia, the small crew had to work under difficult circumstances. Despite these challenges, the crew’s dedication and strong teamwork allowed them to create a film that captures the emotional depth of the story.

"When we reached Russia, it was minus 14 degrees," said Ahire. "They took care of us—providing shoes, clothes, jackets, even soap and shampoo. With their support, we were able to work well and do justice to the story." He also noted that despite language barriers—none of the crew spoke English, and the Russian crew didn’t know Hindi—the team managed to communicate effectively, relying on the universal language of filmmaking and mutual respect. “As part of our culture we perform Ganpati Arti every morning before the first shot. The crew which was from Russia observed this for the first two days and you won’t believe they started doing the arti from the third day onwards. They said we don’t understand but it feels good to do,” he smiled,

Vaibhav Mangle explained that the choice of Russia as a location was deliberate, not only for its striking geography but also for its cultural contrast with Konkan. The snow-covered landscapes of Siberia provided a perfect backdrop for the emotional and geographical divide in the story, which mirrors the contrasting themes of the lush, tropical Konkan region.

Chhaya Kadam, a prominent actress in the film, shared her experience of portraying the contrasts between the two countries. "I’m a big fan of Gajendra, and working with him gave me the opportunity to portray the stark cultural differences between Russia and India," she explained.

Sarfaraz Alam Safu, a key actor in the film, further emphasized the collaborative spirit he experience in the set. Safu, who lives in Moscow, praised the small crew's ability to work with minimal equipment and infrastructure. "Even with limited resources, we managed to pull off the shoot. Director Gajendra allowed me the space to express myself, and I learned so much from the cast and crew," said Safu. He also highlighted the emotional impact the film had on audiences, with many Russian viewers, who are here as IFFI delegates, moved to tears during the screenings. "The connection between the two countries is growing," he noted. "I hope this film will inspire more collaborations between Russian and Indian filmmakers,” said Safu.

From the stunning beach in Konkan to the freezing, snow-covered landscapes of Siberia’s, the film offers a stark visual contrast that mirrors the emotional turmoil of the characters.

During the press conference, the filmmakers urged the media and audiences to support regional cinema. "This is a regional film that deserves to be seen by every Indian," said Ahire. "It’s not just about the story of a girl caught between two cultures, it’s about the universal themes of family, love, and belonging."

Ms. Nikita Joshi moderated the Press Conference.

You can watch the Press Conference here: 

About the Film

‘Snow Flower’ will be released theatrically across India in January 2024.

The heart of Snow Flower lies in the emotional journey of a young girl, Pari, who finds herself torn between two different worlds. The story unfolds in two countries: in Konkan, India, Bablya, a young dreamer, longs to join a Dashavtaar theater group traveling to Russia, which strains his relationship with his parents, Digya and Nanda. In Russia, Bablya builds a life, marries, and has a daughter, Pari. However, tragedy strikes when Bablya dies in a pub altercation, and his parents travel to Russia to bring the orphaned Pari back to Konkan. Despite their love and efforts to raise her, they soon realize that the girl’s true place is in Russia, where she can find fulfillment and happiness. In a heartbreaking decision, Nanda returns Pari to Russia, acknowledging the deeper connection between the girl and her homeland.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Nikita/Dhanalakshmi/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 61