As a lifelong cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of global cinema, I can confidently say that the passing of Aruna Vasudev is a profound loss for us all. Her tireless advocacy for Asian cinema on the world stage not only enlightened and inspired generations of film enthusiasts but also played an instrumental role in shaping the way we perceive and engage with this vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape.
Aruna Vasudev, creator of Cinemaya magazine and the organization supporting Asian cinema known as NETPAC, passed away last Thursday due to various aged-related health issues in New Delhi, India. She was 88 years old.
Vasudev played a significant role in bringing Asian cinema into the international spotlight. Back in 1988, she initiated Cinemaya, the very first pan-Asian film magazine, which continued for twenty years. This periodical proved to be an indispensable source of information about Asian films and their creators.
In 1991, Vasudev founded the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), a group committed to boosting Asian film industry. Since then, NETPAC has been presenting awards for Asian movies at global film festivals and hosting the Cinefan festival in New Delhi.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve had the privilege to serve on juries at various prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes, Locarno, and Karlovy Vary. I’ve also penned several books delving into the captivating world of Asian cinema, including “The New Indian Cinema” and “Being & Becoming: The Cinemas of Asia.”
In 2004, she was bestowed the title of Knight of the Order of the Italian Solidarity Star, and in 2019, she received the honor of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from France.
Supriya Suri’s documentary, titled “Aruna Vasudev: The Matriarch of Asian Cinema,” delves into Aruna Vasudev’s remarkable voyage, emphasizing her significant influence on the global film industry and her unwavering love for cinematic art from various parts of Asia.
“Martine and Jean-Marc Thérouanne, festival directors and co-founders of the International Festival of Asian Cinema in Vesoul, stated, ‘We are all children left behind by our beloved ‘Mother of Asian Cinema,’ a term we all used with fondness.'”
Actress Shabani Azmi shared on Instagram: “She paved the way for Asian films to gain recognition as a unique genre. While she earned numerous accolades, I will forever cherish her kindness and brilliant smile. Her insights were always thought-provoking, and I deeply enjoyed her company. My sympathies go out to her loved ones.”
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur replied to Azmi’s post with these words: “What a tragedy. Aruna was truly an icon, deeply committed to cinema and its global representation for Indians. Her absence will surely be felt; Rest In Peace.”
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2024-09-06 10:46