Sundance-Winning ‘Cactus Pears’ Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE)

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After winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance for his film “Cactus Pears” (“Sabar Bonda”), director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade has signed a management contract with Cinetic Media, as announced during the Cannes Film Festival.

Back in January, I was thrilled to witness that Kanawade’s initial feature became the pioneer, marking history as the first Marathi-language film and the inaugural Indian fiction work to win the prestigious World Cinema Dramatic Competition top honor at Sundance.

Kanawade shared with EbMaster that it’s an immense privilege to be associated with Cinetic Media, a firm renowned for backing films that challenge traditional limitations and explore new creative horizons. “The deeply personal and intimate story of ‘Sabar Bonda’ resonating globally, and now being supported by a team equally invested in its journey, is both humbling and inspiring,” Kanawade said. “This collaboration transcends the film’s future trajectory; it symbolizes the opportunity for stories rooted in our region, authentic, and deeply emotional Indian narratives to traverse languages and borders.”

Kanawade told EbMaster that they feel very lucky to work with Cinetic Media, a company known for supporting unique films. They are happy that their personal story ‘Sabar Bonda’ is being understood globally, especially since it’s now backed by people who share the same passion. This partnership means more than just where the film will go next; it represents a chance for regional, authentic, and deeply emotional Indian stories to be shared worldwide. Kanawade hopes this is the beginning of a long journey for such stories to cross languages and borders.

In the film “Cactus Pears,” the city-dweller Anand, aged around thirty, finds himself compelled to observe a 10-day period of mourning for his father in rural western India. There, he develops an unexpected friendship with a local farmer who is trying to avoid marriage. This emotionally moving drama has touched audiences worldwide since its success at Sundance.

This autumn, the movie is set to hit theaters through Strand Releasing after a successful festival circuit, featuring screenings at New Directors/New Films, San Francisco Film Festival (receiving the Special Jury Prize – Visions), and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (winning the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature).

Marcus Hu from Strand Releasing expressed his excitement about the news, saying it’s fantastic that the filmmaking team has secured this partnership.

Neeraj Churi, producer and head of Lotus Visual Productions for the movie, stated: “Cinetic Media has consistently supported films and filmmakers who are daring and innovative. This recent development underscores that the global film industry is broadening its perspective, eager to welcome not just big-budget productions but also courageous ones. We also want to highlight the significant impact of NFDC lab, Co-pro market, and India Cine Hub grant in fostering and launching this film and Rohan onto the international scene. Collaborating with MPM premium, Strand Releasing, and Cinetic, we are thrilled to work with a team that truly appreciates the intricacies of Indian independent cinema and recognizes its emotional depth.

Kanawade’s personal backstory significantly contributes to the film’s triumphant narrative. Born and raised in a single-room dwelling within a Mumbai slum, his father was a chauffeur, and his mother was an illiterate homemaker. Despite these humble beginnings, he has risen to become a self-made filmmaker with a unique background in interior design. His short films have garnered international acclaim, including screenings at the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022-2023 and the Film London Production Finance Market 2021. “Cactus Pears” was developed as part of these programs, and it also participated in the NFDC Marathi Script Camp 2021, Film Bazaar 2022, Venice Gap Financing Market 2023, and was selected for the Goes to Cannes 2024.

In this production, Bhushaan Manoj, Jayshri Jagtap, and Suraaj Suman are among the actors featured. Vikas Urs is responsible for the cinematography, while Anadi Athaley edits the film, and Anirban Borthakur and Naren Chandavarkar serve as sound designers.

Cinetic will represent Kanawade across all media.

Cactus Pears” is a production by Neeraj Churi (Lotus Visual Productions, U.K.), Mohamed Khaki (Canada), Kaushik Ray (Taran Tantra Telefilms, U.K.), Naren Chandavarkar (Moonweave Films, India), Sidharth Meer (Bridge PostWorks, India) and Hareesh Reddypalli (Dark Stories, India). It is also produced by co-producer Jim Sarbh (Wonderful Entertainment, India) and associate producer Rajesh Parwatkar (U.K.).

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2025-05-19 11:18