Two Indian directors achieved recognition at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) closing ceremony. Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s debut Marathi film, “Sthal,” earned an award from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), while Tarsem Singh Dhandwar’s “Dear Jassi” received the Platform Award. “Sthal” narrates the story of a young woman’s battle against oppressive patriarchy, and Somalkar dedicated his award to courageous women worldwide. “Dear Jassi” garnered praise for its candid portrayal of the impact of caste systems, along with commendations for its craftsmanship and performances by its young leads.
Both films gained international recognition, with “Sthal” being the sole Indian film featured in the TIFF Discovery Program, which spotlights emerging filmmakers. Tarsem Singh Dhandwar, professionally known as Tarsem, boasts a diverse background in music videos, commercials, and filmmaking. His directorial debut, “The Cell,” delved into the subconscious thoughts of a serial killer. Tarsem’s portfolio encompasses high-profile music videos and successful films like “Immortals.”
The festival also showcased other Indian films, such as Karan Bhoolani’s “Thank You For Coming,” Kiran Rao’s “Lost Ladies,” Honey Trehan’s “Punjab 95,” Anand Patwardhan’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam / The World Is Family,” and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s “Kill.” At TIFF 2023, these movies presented a wide array of narratives and viewpoints.
