Shruti Haasan’s ‘The Eye’ to Open India’s Wench Horror Fest – Global Bulletin

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SINISTER STORIES

The groundbreaking horror film festival in India, known as Wench, is preparing to release its fifth installment at venues in Mumbai. This edition will feature the British psychological thriller “The Eye,” starring Shruti Haasan, who will participate in a question-and-answer session following the screening. The festival, which runs from February 27th to March 2nd, remains committed to shining a light on women’s voices in genre cinema, with 35 out of the 42 selected films being directed by women.

Festival founder Sapna Bhavnani is expanding the event’s footprint with a Kolkata edition while also launching Terror Talkies, billed as India’s first horror portal. The lineup boasts partnerships with genre heavyweights Fantasia and Imagine Fantastic Film Festival, including Oscar-nominated short “I’m Not a Robot” as part of the Fantasia collaboration.

The final evening awards will be given to Ishan Shukla’s IFFR-winning film “Schirkoa – In Lies We Trust.” Additionally, the festival will offer masterclasses led by Riksundar Banerjee and Vishal Furia, as well as an art installation named “Silent Skies,” which focuses on avian conservation in collaboration with World For All Animal Care and Adoptions. This project was designed by production designer Sukant Panigrahi.

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On the closing night, Ishan Shukla’s IFFR-winning film “Schirkoa – In Lies We Trust” will receive honors. The festival will also conduct masterclasses by Riksundar Banerjee and Vishal Furia, and showcase an art installation titled “Silent Skies,” which emphasizes avian conservation in partnership with World For All Animal Care and Adoptions. This initiative was created by production designer Sukant Panigrahi.

This program showcases a variety of premieres, including 13 Indian first-showings, 25 Asian first-showings, and three global debuts. These premieres are divided into three competitive categories: Blood Thirsty (full-length), Dwarves (mid-length), and Elves (short). Industry experts Chris Orgelt and Harini Laxminarayan will evaluate the full-length category, while Aruna Raje Patil manages the mid-length section and Carolyn Mauricette oversees the shorts.

“Wench Film Festival 2025 isn’t just bigger – it’s bolder, bloodier, and smashes more glass ceilings,” says Bhavnani. “With the launch of Terror Talkies, legendary horror masterclasses, India’s finest genre films, and experiences that push every boundary, this year, fear has never looked this good.”

FESTIVAL FLOURISHES

The third installment of the “Mint Chinese Film Festival” in the United Kingdom will take place in Keswick from February 21st to 23rd, featuring over 30 Chinese and Asian films. Among these is the U.K. debut of Lou Ye’s film titled “An Unfinished Film,” which focuses on themes related to a pandemic.

This women-led film festival, established by Chinese film curator Yixiang Shirley Lin and Carol Rennie, one of the co-owners of Keswick Alhambra Cinema, begins with Luka Yuanyuan Yang’s “Chinatown Cha-Cha” and Tsui Hark’s 1993 fantasy film “Green Snake.” There are also special screenings planned for Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love,” which is marking its 25th anniversary. The festival has broadened its reach with a new “Asia Sparks” competition section, and has secured exclusive U.K. theatrical rights to Lou’s “An Unfinished Film,” which will be screened nationwide starting April 25.

CREATIVES CONNECT

Picturehouse Cinemas based in the U.K. is planning to launch a fresh industry gathering titled “Picturehouse Create.” This innovative event aims to foster connections between creative minds and independent filmmaking. The three-day extravaganza will commandeer Picturehouse Central, their flagship venue located at Piccadilly Circus, London, from April 3rd through the 5th.

The conference will offer a variety of presentations, workshops, debates, and chances for networking. To nurture new talent, it will also include a real-time presentation segment where participants can showcase their projects to established professionals in the field.

The organizers are inviting everyone, regardless of their background in filmmaking. Notable figures from the industry, such as distributors, financiers, producers, and exhibitors, will likely be present, along with screenwriters, directors, camera operators, designers, and curators.

Intensifying the lineup, Picturehouse Create is set to initiate a short film competition that’s open to all badge holders. A panel consisting of Picturehouse Entertainment and programming specialists will narrow down the entries to ten finalists for public screening at the event. The winner, chosen by an independent jury comprised of industry professionals, will be revealed on April 5th.

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2025-02-06 18:49