‘Absolute Rest’ steals show on first day of film festival

Srinagar, December 22

The International Film Festival of Kashmir – 2015, organised by the Experimental Moving Images and Theater Association, started at the Tagore Hall here today with feature films and long documentaries.

On Day one, the festival showcased films based on social drama, romantic tragedies and ethnic identity, highlight diverse world issues, culture and politics.

A total six films were screened today, which included three feature films made in Iran, Assam and Gilgit-Baltistan respectively, and two documentaries.

The award winning film ‘Absolute Rest’, directed by Iranian filmmaker Abdolreza Kahani was appreciated by all. “This is a matter of satisfaction for us as the selection of films on the first day was received well by audience especially youth,” said Ali Emran, the festival curator.

“Iranian movie ‘Absolute Rest’, focusing on the problems of women was applauded by the audience,” he said.

The film recounts the story of a woman who leaves her hometown with her child after getting a divorce, but her ex-husband does everything he can to force her to go back. This was the Asian Premier of the film, Emran said.

Assamese feature film ‘Othello’ produced by Manabendra Adhikary, under the banner of Artha Film, was also screened on the first day.

The film, which has bagged many national awards, including best screenplay at the Indian Cine Film Festival – 2014 in Mumbai, presents a tangential evocation of Shakespeare’s play as it explores mistrust and prejudice in a society ridden with political turmoil. — TNS