#IFFIWood, 27 November 2024

At the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), international filmmakers showcased three thought-provoking films under the International Panorama section, spotlighting unique stories from Bhutan, Albania, and Iran. Directors Charmi Chedda, Florenc Papas, and Mansour Vosoughi introduced global audiences to their deeply personal narratives, each offering a window into distinctive cultures and human experiences.

Charmi Chedda’s With Love from Bhutan takes audiences on an emotional journey through family ties, cultural identity, and the unique Bhutanese way of expressing love—through food. The film tells the story of Jimmy, a food anthropology student returning to Bhutan after two decades, seeking to reconnect with his estranged half-sister Yang Chen. Chedda highlighted how the country’s close-knit society and evolving culture influenced the narrative. The director, known for her vibrant storytelling, spoke passionately about Bhutan’s emerging cinema and the need for platforms like IFFI to amplify these voices.

Charmi Chedda also spoke about Bhutan's nascent yet vibrant film industry, emphasizing the unique storytelling opportunities it presents. She noted that Bhutanese culture lacks a direct word for "love," making food a central medium for expressing emotions—a concept that forms the crux of her film. "With Love from Bhutan" brings to life the essence of Bhutanese society, blending themes of love, conflict, and cultural identity," said Charmi Chedda.

Florenc Papas’s Luna Park is a deeply personal film set during Albania’s post-communist unrest in 1997. Inspired by his childhood memories, Papas crafts a poignant tale of a mother and son navigating a nation on the brink of collapse. The film captures the resilience of Albanian families during this turbulent period, blending historical reflection with intimate storytelling. Florenc Papas, who has previously won accolades for his work, shared how the film represents not only his family’s journey but also the collective memory of a generation. The film follows a mother and her teenage son navigating civil violence, shedding light on familial bonds and societal turmoil during one of Albania's most challenging periods. He expressed, "This story is personal yet universal, drawing from my own childhood experiences. It speaks to the resilience of families and individuals amidst chaos."

Mansour Vosoughi’s Barren explores the desolation of loneliness and the power of redemption. The Iranian drama follows Yahya, a man with a mysterious past, whose encounter with a clever young girl helps him confront his inner demons. Vosoughi described the film as a meditation on modern isolation, emphasizing how it transcends geography to reflect the human condition. He also shed light on the challenges of independent filmmaking in Iran, underscoring the importance of creative freedom in telling such deeply resonant stories.

Living in a desolate car and surviving by cutting women’s hair for money, Yahya’s life changes when a young girl escaping exploitation crosses his path. The film poetically captures themes of loneliness, survival, and self-discovery. Mansour Vosoughi stated, "This film reflects the silent battles many face in a connected yet isolating world. Yahya's journey is symbolic of the search for redemption amidst barren surroundings."

The directors engaged with media professionals and attendees, discussing the challenges and inspirations behind their films. Charmi Chedda emphasized Bhutan's emerging filmmaking culture, highlighting the importance of telling authentic stories from the Himalayan region. Florenc Papas elaborated on the deeply personal nature of her film, which is inspired by her own family and the historical context of Albania. Mansour Vosoughi reflected on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers in Iran, noting the balance between creative freedom and financial constraints. The directors collectively expressed their gratitude for IFFI, celebrating its role as a global stage for diverse storytelling. Through films like these, they reaffirmed cinema’s unique power to bridge cultural divides and connect audiences with universal emotions.

Watch the Press Conference here:

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Nikita/Suraj/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 110