Nandita Das' directorial debut to premiere at Toronto fest

Aug 13, 2008 IANS

New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) Nandita Das' directorial debut "Firaaq", based on the 2002 Godhra incident in Gujarat, will be screened at the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), starting Sep 4.

The film, produced by the Percept Picture Company (PPC), has been selected in the Contemporary World Cinema Premiere category of the fest. Nandita is excited with her first film going to the TIFF.

"I have been attending TIFF since 'Fire' in 1996. It is a film lover's festival and I am pleased that 'Firaaq' will have its world premiere there," said Nandita in a statement.

"Festivals are very important to garner attention and international buyers for the film. I am also looking forward to share this film with people in India. This time competition will be tough as many films by seasoned directors are contending for the place," she added.

"Firaaq" is set for October release in India.

Nandita's two films were showcased at the TIFF last year - Santosh Sivan's "Before the Rains" and Adoor Gopalkrishnan's "Nallu Penangal" and both were appreciated.

"Firaaq" has a bevy of top-rung actors, including Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah, Tisca Chopra, Deepti Naval, Raghuvir Yadav and Sanjay Suri.

Shehmat Khan, a fourth-standard boy from Hyderabad, also plays an important role in the movie.

"It was a dream to work with so many good actors. They were very supportive. I think being an actor myself, I struck a special chord with each of my actors, who have given their best in the film," Nandita said.

The message Nandita wants to convey through the movie is that violence is no solution to a social problem. It only leaves a trail of destruction, socially and psychologically.

Apart from "Firaaq", another PPC-produced film titled "Kanjivaram" will be screened at the nine-day film fest.

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Firaaq