A NEW “INDIAN NEW WAVE”?
A Panel Discussion with Hansal Mehta, Ashim Ahluwalia, Umesh Kulkarni, Guneet Monga and Shaan Vyas. Moderated by film critic Saibal Chatterjee
Sun, 4 Nov. 1 p.m. TCV Day School
As Bollywood continues to grow ever bigger and larger than life, spreading its tentacles
across the country and further afield, a quiet wave of alternative Indian cinema seems to
be emerging in its wake. These films all share certain elements in common: they are
thematically braver and bolder than the mainstream; stylistically more adventurous; and in
tune with contemporary trends in world cinema. They strive for artistic integrity and are
yet managing to find an audience and carve out a niche for themselves. Is this the dawn
of a second New Wave of Indian cinema? Can it straddle the fine line between art-house
cinema and commercial imperatives? What kinds of obstacles does it face? How can it
ensure that it does not wither away and disappear like the first Indian New Wave?
FILMS FROM THE FRONTLINE
A Panel Discussion with Guy Davidi, Karim el Hakim, Jennifer Fox and Dain Said. Moderated by contemporary Afghan artist Aman Mojadidi
Sun, 4 Nov. 3 p.m. TCV Day School
How do filmmakers approach war, revolution, civil unrest, human rights struggles,
domestic violence, or any of the numerous situations of conflict that are an unfortunate
but integral part of human existence? How do they make films in conflict zones that tell a
human story without losing sight of the larger context? What do they hope to achieve
when they set out to make a film in these troubled areas? Are their films exploitative? Do
they make a difference?
Contemporary Afghan artist Aman Mojadidi, who has worked out of Kabul for several
years and whose practice is based on personal experiences intertwined with curatorial and
academic research in cultural studies, will engage the filmmakers, who have all made intensely
personal films in conflict zones, in a discussion that promises to be lively, inspiring and
intellectually stimulating.