South Asian film festival aims to promote global dialogue
Thu, October 02 2008
Films to be shown include 1947 Earth (Oct. 16), and Partition (Nov. 13). Each film has significant historical and current relevance, and highlights social justice issues.
“The goal of the festival is to raise awareness, initiate dialogue, and encourage understanding on topics that are globally significant yet have local relevance,” said Satwinder Bains, the director of the Centre.
Films will be screened starting at 7 p.m. in University House (Building F) on UFV’s Abbotsford campus (33844 King Rd.).
1947 Earth, directed by Deepa Mehta, opens in Lahore in 1947, before partition. It is a cosmopolitan city, depicted by the coterie of working-class friends from different religions. The rest of the movie chronicles the fate of this group and the maddening religious fervour that sweeps the city as the partition of the two countries is decided and Lahore is given to Pakistan.
Partition, directed by Vic Sarin, features Gian and Naseem, a latter day Romeo and Juliet. With the partition of India and Pakistan sparking bloodshed between Sikhs and Muslims, their respective people might be mortal enemies, but Gian and Naseem are determined to follow their hearts. Gian sets off on a journey across a land whose wounds are still raw, hoping against hope that he can bring home peace and harmony.
Admission for the films is free. Donations are welcome.
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