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Hansal Mehta’s ‘Aligarh’ is fast becoming a toast of international film festivals. Close on the heels of the announcement of its World Premiere at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival comes the news of its selection at the prestigious 59th BFI London Film Festival (7-18 October, 2015).
The film will play as part of the Festival’s Debate strand: Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise and surprise.
National Award winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta brings a sensitive, humane story from small town India with ‘Aligarh’. Co-starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao, the film draws from a real incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh. A Professor (Manoj Bajpayee) is suspended by his university for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation. A young journalist (Rajkummar Rao) investigates his first breaking story. Set in the myriad dark lanes of a volatile, decadent society, the two strike an unlikely friendship that will change them forever.
The invite from Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director states, “Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to.”
The BFI is often a precursor for winners and celebrated gems from cinema across the world. Says Mehta, “I am touched and very grateful that BFI has positioned ‘Aligarh’ in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film.”
Producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said, “At Eros, we take pride in producing films like ‘Aligarh’, that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant and beautiful film and it’s screenings at BFI and Busan prove that such films will always find an audience.”
Eros International presents ‘Aligarh’, directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, produced by Eros International and Karma Pictures.
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