The DC South Asian Arts Council Inc. (DCSAACI) hosted the world premiere of the Bengali film Puratawn, The Ancient, at the 13th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) on September 13, 2024, at the Fairfax Cinema Arts Theater in Virginia.
The event featured a red-carpet reception, with attendees including Puratawn actress and producer, Rituparna Sengupta, Director Suman Ghosh, Congressman Shri Thanedar, actress Indrani Davaluri, and Indiaspora’s Executive Director, Sanjeev Joshipura among others.
Congressman Thanedar expressed his pleasure in inaugurating the festival, congratulating its founders, Manoj Singh and Geeta Singh, and their team.
Despite his scientific background, Thanedar shared his love for experimental theater and film festivals, recalling his fondness for attending plays at Chhabildas Theatre in Dadar, Mumbai, where “he saw a lot of creativity.”
He encouraged people to watch a short film titled “Dear Pra,” which is about mental health. “It’s a film about mental illness. It is my story taken from my own life,” he said while commending the efforts of the Director, Nitin Adsul for his excellent work.
The film addresses the shame and stigma frequently tied to mental illness. It emphasizes the importance of viewing mental health with the same seriousness as physical health or any other medical condition.
“It is very difficult, because it is very personal. I went through it with my children when they were at the age of four and eight. So, this is a very personal story, but the reason I decided to come out and talk about it is because this is a subject that should not be something of a shame,” said Rep, Thanedar about sharing his story in the film. “No one should feel shame in addressing their own mental health issues. One in five people in America are struggling and suffering with mental health. So that is what we are talking about in this film.”
In the United States Congress, Thanedar emphasized that he focuses on supporting mental health issues, creating better education opportunities, and assisting underserved people become entrepreneurs.
About his work for the Indian American community, Thanedar pointed out “I’m so proud to say that I was the first Congressman to form the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh Caucus in the United States Congress. So, I’m an unapologetically pro-Hindu Congressman. I am unapologetically pro-India Congressman.”
Director Ghosh told South Asian Herald, “It is an honor to be part of the opening night at the DC South Asian Film Festival. Many of my films have been screened here before, and to have a very special film with Sharmila Tagore and Rituparna Sengupta is a double honor for all of us,” adding “The movie is about Sharmila Tagore, where she is celebrating her 80th birthday, and her daughter comes back to celebrate the birthday with her daughter and husband. What transpires over the weekend is the story of Puratawn.”
Ghosh said “Since we were talking about mental health, if you see the movie, our film is also, in a way related to what Mr. Thanedar was saying about his film. And so, I think we have a common theme here.”
“This film is very special to me,” Actress Sengupta told South Asian Herald adding “we have Sharmila Tagore in our film. And, of course, I’m the producer as well in this film.”
“It is truly encouraging to be part of this film festival. Because running a festival for the last 13 years is not a matter of joke,” she exhorted while commending the organizers. “It takes a lot of effort, dedication, and planning. It provides a scope for a lot of directors, producers, and actors to come together on an international platform.”
She shared that visiting DC brings back nostalgic memories, as it was her first home after marriage, her husband is based there, and they have a house in the city. She also lived in Arlington for a while. She also recalled filming “Piyalir Password” here with her favorite director, the late Raj Basu.
“So, sometimes I wish that I can come back and live here for more time,” she added.
She expressed her honor at attending the world premiere of Puratawn and thanked the organizers for selecting her film. She also appreciated being previously honored with a Special Jury Female award at a virtual event held during COVID.
Indiaspora sponsored the opening night of the Film Festival. About his organization’s motivation to sponsor the opening night, Joshipura noted “Since Indiaspora’s role is to amplify and position and inspire the Indian diaspora as a force for good, we felt compelled to take up this cause and sponsor this event.”
He mentioned that while Washington DC is primarily known as a political and policy town, it has many other facets. He praised Geeta, Manoj, and their team for their outstanding work over the years and expressed excitement about collaborating for the first time, hoping the partnership continues.
Actress Davaluri’s film, Andhela Ravamidhi, was featured on September 15th. The film festival presented more than 50 films from seven countries in 11 languages, including 10 directed by women.
