Adoor to accompany 'Four Women' to Vienna

Vienna, Oct 5 (IANS) Two Indian films and a documentary from Nepal will be screened at the Viennale, the largest and most exciting film event in Austria that opens here Oct 17.

European fans of Indian cinema will get to watch "Four Women" (Naalu Pennungal), Adoor Gopalakrishnan's celebrated film about a virgin, a prostitute, a housewife and a spinster, along with Nishitha Jain's unique documentary "Lakshmi and Me" that explores the relationship between the filmmaker and her domestic help.

"A couple of my films have been shown in Vienna in the past. But this is the first time that I will accompany my film "Naalu Pennungal" to the Viennale. This is indeed a privilege and honour for me and I look forward to discussing my work with the audience," Gopalakrishnan told IANS in an email interview.

"Naalu Pennungal" had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film in September 2007 and was later screened at the 51st London film festival.

According to Gopalakrishnan, the film has already been screened at over 20 international film festivals.

Vienna audiences will watch "Naalu Pennungal" along with the veteran film director with the snow white mane. Gopalakrishnan will answer questions about the film after the screening.

"Hami Kunako Manche" (We Corner People) by Nepal's Kesang Tseten will be screened in the documentary section.

The Kathmandu-based Tibetan filmmaker told IANS that he is pleased his film is participating in the Viennale.

"My work is unknown in Europe and I believe the Viennale is a good festival," Tseten said in an email message, adding that he is unable to travel to Vienna as he is busy editing another film.

"The Viennale is hardly a fan of Indian cinema. I am so happy that there are two Indian films this year. I will watch them both and will see 'Hami Kunako Manche' with my friend from Nepal," Gerlinde Seitner, an Indian cinema fan, told IANS.

Viennale director Hans Hurch said with a smile and a shrug that it is true he does not watch Indian cinema.

"Lagaan" is one film that he has seen. He promises to look at more Indian films in future.

During the festival some 300 features, documentaries and short films will be screened from around the world. On the sidelines a variety of short and experimental films are scheduled, including an impressive tribute to Bob Dylan and the master musician's relationship to films. The second tribute is to German filmmaker Werner Schroeter, who will be present at the festival.

The annual festival prides itself on showcasing independent cinema not seen elsewhere. Films do not compete at the Viennale and the audience of mostly young people does not come here in search of stars.

The focus at the Viennale has been on watching and talking about filmmaking and here each film is considered a star.

The focus this year is on Latin America, with Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes a special guest who will accompany his 2008 film "Our Beloved Month of August" to the festival.

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Naalu Pennungal