'Documentaries won't be confined' is the theme for this edition of the festival, in recognition of the challenges to media freedom in all countries of the region. Forty-three documentaries reflecting the commitment to freedom will be showcased at Yalamaya Kendra, Patan Dhoka in the four-day festival. The films range from sharp political commentaries, explorations of artistic creativity, and depiction of human-environment conflicts.Adoor Gopalakrishnan, an Indian auteur filmmaker, as the chief guest, will be inaugurating this year's fest.
Speaking during a press meet held at Yalamaya Kendra on Tuesday, festival chair Kanak Mani Dixit, said, "The festival aims to popularize documentary films. We realized that it is achievable with adequate grooming to the audience. That calls for a need to maintain continuity regarding this sort of programs," adding that documentary films help to ensure freedom of thought, speech, assembly and conscience.
The jury this year comprises well known media personalities, namely AS Panneerselvan from India, Anomaa Rajakaruna from Sri Lanka and Narayan Wagle from Nepal. The best film will be awarded with the 'Ram Bahadur Trophy' along with a citation and cash prize of USD 2,000. There are provisions for other such awards, too.
'Drawing the Tiger', directed by Ramyata Limbu, is the opening film this year. It closely studies a family amidst poverty, migration and personal tragedy.
Some other films to be screened are 'Castaway Man,' a documentary on well known Nepali anthropologist Dor Bahadur Bista; 'Being Bhaijaan,' which revolves around India, its desired masculinity, and Bollywood actor Salman Khan, and 'The Poison Thorn,' featuring rape survivors from the 1971 liberation war.
Tickets for Film Southasia are available at Yalamaya Kendra, Patan Dhoka; RedMud, Jhamsikhel and Mandala Book Point, Kantipath. For details of films and schedule, visit filmsouthasia.org.
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