Shabana Azmi’s 50-Year Career to Be Celebrated at IFFSA Toronto 2024 – Global Bulletin

SHABANA SHINES

As I delve deeper into the captivating world of cinema, I find myself constantly astounded by the illustrious careers of the industry’s most esteemed figures. This year, at the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2024, we are privileged to honor a cinematic titan whose five-decade journey has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness – none other than the inimitable Shabana Azmi.


In the 13th edition of the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto, which takes place from October 10th to 20th in 2024, the festival will pay tribute to the illustrious five-decade career of actress Shabana Azmi, who is renowned for her roles in “Halo” and “Fire.” The tribute program includes a screening of Shyam Benegal’s “Mandi,” a masterclass, and a musical celebration titled “Shab-e-Sur.

The upcoming festival will showcase premieres and events involving notable figures like Imtiaz Ali, Deepa Mehta, Boman Irani, and Anup Singh. Notably, Boman Irani’s directorial debut “The Mehta Boys,” which was co-written by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris, is set to open the festival with its Canadian premiere. Additionally, Imtiaz Ali’s Netflix film “Amar Singh Chamkila” will be screened in theaters, followed by a masterclass and a “Chamkila Night” musical event.

The lineup showcases “All We Imagine as Light” by Payal Kapadia, which won the Cannes Grand Prix, and “Kaalidhar Laapata” starring Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur, both of which are included. Films from Srijit Mukherji, Leesa Gazi, and Kaushal Oza will also be part of the event. Representing Canadian cinema will be Durga Chew-Bose’s “Bonjour Tristesse” and Shadab Khan’s “I Am No Queen.” The documentary features include Gurvinder Singh’s “Trolley Times” and “Defiance: Fighting the Far Right.” Kishor P. Belekar’s “Gandhi Talks” will bring the festival to a close.

At IFFSA Toronto 2024, you’ll find a variety of masterclasses and workshops, one of which is an acting workshop headed by our festival ambassador Anup Singh. Additionally, the festival will debut the IFFSA Talent Fund 2024/25, aimed at supporting upcoming filmmakers.

Sunny Gill, the festival director, announced that this year’s event will pay a lively tribute to the impressive history of South Asian cinema. The occasion promises memorable highlights, thought-provoking discussions, and an emotional salute to the trailblazers who have significantly impacted our movie industry.

‘SHOWMAN’ STAR

Keala Settle, who was nominated for a Tony award, will star in the U.K. debut of “Fly More Than You Fall” at London’s Southwark Playhouse Elephant from October 18th to November 23rd. This musical, written by Eric Holmes and Nat Zegree, tells the story of a young girl dealing with her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis.

In an interview, the actress who played the bearded lady in “The Greatest Showman,” expressed her excitement: “I’m delighted to join this heartwarming tale. It’s a powerful demonstration of human strength, kindness, and the inner freedom we all possess.

Marc David Levine, a Tony and Olivier Award winner, serves as the producer for this production, with Christian Durham at the helm as director. The creative team also includes Georgie Rankcom in the role of associate director, Heather Douglas as movement director, and Daniel Edmonds handling orchestrations.

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2024-09-12 14:16