International Film Festival of South Asia to celebrate 50 years of Shabana Ajmi

Actress Shabana Azmi. | Photo credit: PTI

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi will be honored by the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto for her outstanding contribution to cinema, the organizers announced on Saturday (September 14, 2024).

The 13th edition of the festival, which will run from October 10 to 20, promises an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup of premieres and special events featuring some of the biggest names in the film industry, including filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Deepa Mehta, actor-turned-director Boman Irani and Anup. Singh what And Scorpion song fame

Known as one of the greatest performers in Indian cinema, Azmi made her debut with Shyam Benegal’s 1974 classic. shoot And as featured in the film rheumatism, Innocent, mandi, the fire, godmother, Pass, Neerjaand more recently Rocky or Rani is a love story.

IFFSA will spotlight Azmi’s remarkable 50-year career with a tribute program including a special screening of Shyam Benegal’s classic mandi. Additionally, the festival will host an exclusive masterclass and a musical celebration, ‘Shab-e-Soor, a tribute to Ajmi’s iconic cinematic journey, with a special dinner hosted in his honor by Turkish Airlines, the press release said.

IFFSA Toronto’s festival director Sunny Gill said the aim is to pay tribute to icons who have shaped the world of cinema through their work.

“This year’s celebration will be a vibrant tribute to the rich legacy of South Asian cinema, marked by unforgettable moments, insightful dialogues and deep respect for the icons who shaped our cinematic world. We invite everyone to join us for an inspiring and transformative experience,” Gill said in a statement.

Actor-turned-director Boman Irani’s directorial debut, Mehta BoysCo-written by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris Jr Birdman And Revenant Fame, will be the opening film of the festival.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali will grace the stage with a special theatrical screening of his latest film Amar Singh ChamkilaFollowed by an insightful masterclass and a special Chamkila night — a musical celebration honoring the late legendary artist who inspired the film.

Other highly anticipated films premiering at IFFSA Toronto 2024 include Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner All we imagine as lightand Madhumita Kalidhar LapataStarring Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur

Also read:Boman Irani’s ‘The Mehta Boys’ will premiere at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.

The lineup also features Srijit Mukherjee the infantryLeesa Gazi A house named Shahanaand strategy weight Little Thomas.

In addition, the festival will showcase strong documentary features including Gurvinder Singh The Trolley Times And Defiance: Fighting the Fight RightA sensational film starring Riz Ahmed.

Kishore P Bellekar Gandhi speechStarring Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, will be the closing film of the festival, according to the press release. The festival’s star-studded opening gala on October 11 will honor both international and Canadian talent.