Lamakaan

THE IDEOLOGICAL GAP: ENVISIONING AN INDIA BEYOND HINDU SUPREMACY by Sasikanth Senthil

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results have been interpreted by some commentators as a moment when the polarizing discourse of hindutva was arrested or even interrupted, especially in its home ground of uttar Pradesh. Not only did Ayodhya reject the BJP but a new battle to defend the Indian Constitution seemed to spread like wildfire. In sharp contrast to 2019 when Hindutva appeared unstoppable, the 2024 elections saw a remarkable cutting through the ideological wall of Hindutva with economic issues reemerging as also certain reversals in the consolidation among Dalit-Bahujan-adivasi communities towards the BJP. While none of these present a firm victory, do they, We could ask, represent a new consciousness emerging from a10 year encounter with Hindu supremacy.

Sashikant Senthil is an Indian politician and former civil servant, currently representing Thiruvallur Parliamentary Constituency from Tamil Nadu in the 18th Lok Sabha.

All are welcome!

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: NORTH BY NORTHWEST | 1959 | 136 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: North by Northwest is a tale of mistaken identity, with an innocent man pursued across the United States by agents of a mysterious organization trying to prevent him from blocking their plan to smuggle microfilm, which contains government secrets, out of the country. This is one of several Hitchcock films that feature a music score by Bernard Herrmann and an opening title sequence by graphic designer Saul Bass. It was the first to feature extended use of kinetic typography in its opening credits.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Ismat Chughtai, was a veritable tour de force of women's writing in India, a woman who was a feminist by instinct, long before it became fashionable to flash the badge of feminism.
She brought to the fore the modernity inherent in the actions of the poorest of rural Indian women as well as the stagnation in the minds of the so called urban elite.
Ruthlessly honest and deeply perceptive, she presented the truth of society and its women in the same nakedness in which she saw them. She wrote with a rare courage, truth and good humour which endear her to everyone who comes across her writings.

The performance begins with Saas (Mother-in-law), which is about a unique saas-bahu pair and adds a new dimension to this perceived notorious relationship.

The second story, is Chidi Ki Dukki (The Second Card of Clubs) which speaks volumes about how wit and attitude in a woman can be more attractive than the supposed good looks.

This sixty minute play is a dramatized performance of two short stories as vignettes. A letter penned by Sa’adat Hasan Manto on his view of Ismat as a woman is read out as a prelude.

UPRISING IN BANGLADESH
LESSONS AND INSPIRATIONS TO BE DRAWN

A DISCUSSION

In July this year, the students and youth of Bangladesh raised the banner of revolt against the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina government. What started as a students’ movement against the unjust quota system in the government jobs soon turned into a mass uprising against the entire system as more and more people started joining the movement. The brutal state repression and criminalising a genuine protest only led to the increase in the intensity of the storm of protest demonstrations in that country. Scared of people’s anger, Sheikh Hasina fled the country on 5 August. However, in absence of a revolutionary party which could utilise this revolutionary situation to move towards the revolutionary overthrow of the system, the movement could only succeed in ensuring the change of the government. This is a very significant political development which will have repercussions in the entire Indian subcontinent. What are the lessons to be learnt and what are inspirations to be drawn from this movement in our neighbouring country. These are the issues we plan to discuss in our next program.

All are cordially invited!

Visit following link to register for the event. (Entry is free): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1e5YjlGQn7XxYKui63NPiZjpoGgYrb1RfihFeiEARHfU/

SOHAM THEATRE PRESENTS

MARATHI ONE ACT PLAY

SHREE TASHI SOW
WRITTEN BY YOGESH SOMAN

DIRECTED BY SUHAS BARVE

We discuss about Role and character, relationships, situation, voice, movement, focus, tension, space, time, language, symbol, audience, mood and atmosphere.

I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being - Oscar Wilde

Experience the magic of romance with "Love In December", a Hindi play at Lamakaan. Set against the backdrop of a railway station, this captivating story intertwines love and nostalgia. Join Tina and Rahul on their journey as they embark on a love story where the railway station plays a pivotal role. Delve into the mysteries of their connection and discover why the railway station becomes the unsung hero of their tale. Don't miss this enchanting theatrical experience.

German Film Screening: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Subtitled in English

When the Nazis rose to power in Germany in 1933, the Jewish Kemper family knew they had to leave Berlin quickly. The father, a theater critic who had openly criticized the Nazis, was in immediate danger. Young Anna Kemper, played by Riva Krymalowski, had to make a tough choice during their hurried escape: she was allowed to take only one cuddly toy with her. She decided to leave her favorite pink rabbit with their housekeeper, Heimpi, who stayed behind. Anna's journey led her from Berlin to Switzerland, then to Paris, and finally to London. This uncertain and unsettled life was full of challenges and hardships, forcing Anna to constantly adapt to new situations. Director Caroline Link's film, based on Judith Kerr's autobiographical children's book, skillfully tells this touching family story. It appeals to both children and adults, addressing the themes of persecution, flight, and exile under Nazism in an age-appropriate way.

All are Welcome!

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: THE BIRDS | 1963| 119 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: The Birds is a 1963 American natural horror-thriller film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released by Universal Pictures. Loosely based on the 1952 short story of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, it focuses on a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California, over a few days.

The film stars Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren in her screen debut alongside Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Veronica Cartwright. The screenplay is by Evan Hunter, who Hitchcock told to develop new characters and a more elaborate plot while keeping du Maurier's title and concept of unexplained bird attacks.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the city. To celebrate the community we have built over the years, we are inviting partners and friends of Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad to participate in a community quilt, a public art project that will be displayed at GZH, Banjara Hills. This public art project aims to celebrate the sense of belonging to a community as individuals and also make space for diverse experiences and thoughts. Join us for a 2-hour workshop with facilitator Percy Kaki, where participants will design a patch with their story and hand it to the facilitator. It will then become part of a larger community quilt, which will be on display during our GZH@20 celebrations!

All materials and equipment will be provided.

All are welcome!

"Tremble" is a poignant documentary that delves into the brutal massacre of Adivasi people in Indravelli. Through harrowing eyewitness accounts and rigorous investigative journalism, the film uncovers the systemic oppression, government negligence, and police brutality behind this tragedy. It is a powerful examination of the enduring fight for justice and the strength of a community in the face of severe adversity.

A fun fluid art workshop with the play of colors and take back the magic you create. 🙂

Read A kitaab’s monthly meet-up for August. Join us book lovers

Ramesh Karthik Nayak, Kendra Sahithya Yuva Puraskar Awardee, going to give talk about Tribal Literature, culture and movements.

KHATARNAAK KHALA

This play revolves around the funny family members with Hyderabadi dialect and how they keep themselves busy with crazy and mad things. The protagonist Khala (elderly aunt in Urdu) is an ill-tempered but sensitive woman who is feared by everyone. It will take you on the laughter ride through the funny Nok-Jhok between the husband, wife and a servant. Beauty of the play is revealed at the last. The play maintains a fine balance between a character comedy and slapstick. Without leaning too much on either of them, the play manages to tickle the funny bones of the audience and in the process, slips in a social message as well.

Written and directed by Ali Ahmed Faisal

TRIO: The Battle Within (free entry)

A telugu shortfilm with the context of-

In Satya Yuga, good and evil existed in separate worlds. In Treta Yuga, evil invaded the realm of good. In Dwapara Yuga, they were bound by blood. But in Kali Yuga, they coexist within one person – you.

"TRIO: The Battle Within" explores the internal struggle of good and evil through the three gunas: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).Who decides if you are good or evil? How do we measure righteousness in today's world?

Join us for a thought-provoking journey that questions the essence of morality and human nature.
All age groups can watch.
Free entry all are invited.

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: FAMILY PLOT | 1976 | 120 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: Family Plot is a 1976 American black comedy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock in his final directing role. It was based on Victor Canning's 1972 novel The Rainbird Pattern, which Ernest Lehman adapted for the screen. The film stars Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane; it was screened at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival but not entered the main competition.

The story involves two couples: a "fake" psychic and her cab-driving boyfriend and a pair of professional thieves and kidnappers. Their lives come into conflict because of a search for a missing heir. The film's title is a pun: "family plot" can refer to an area in a cemetery that one family has bought for the burial of its various relatives; in this case, it also means a dramatic plot line involving multiple family members.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad
29-31 August; 3-7 pm
Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

As GN Saibaba visits Hyderabad after a trying period in prison, we receive him and Vasanta Kumari, who stood by him with enormous courage.

Aparna Thota and Sujatha Surepally will host the homecoming.

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad 29-31 August; 3-7 pm. Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

Being a relatively new artist in town, Ms Bithika Mistry, an Odissi exponent, seeks to build a community for and about the dance form and wishes to hold appreciation workshops to make people aware of what the dance form stands for. This event is one on a series of many such.

Carpe Diem is an idea of bringing all the poets together to exchange their perceptions and inspirations of poetry. Build a community that understands and supports eachother.

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad 29-31 August; 3-7 pm Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

Young author Mohammad Gouse's third book '826 KM' book launch. Published by Anvikshiki Publishers, this book is a feel good love story.

Art and literature can be seen as extensions of the
human mind. Very often they can reveal what lies
within, sometimes visibly, and, sometimes, not quite so
visibly. The movie club is (we hope) a fun way of
looking deeper into the emotions, perceptions and
thoughts that weave human relationships together or
tear them apart. A movie may be treated as a true story
or, alternatively, can be used as a tool to try and figure
out what went on in the directors head when the movie
was made. Either way, it’s a different way of
understanding human behavior and relationships. In the
end, by looking deeper into another’s story, we hope,
perchance, to understand ourselves better.

Join us for an enchanting evening filled with graceful movements, Vibrant Costumes, and captivating storytelling through Indian classical Dance.

Come and support these young, talented dancers as they take up the stage for the first time to bring the beauty of Bharathanatyam.
We can't wait to see you there!

All are welcome!

An independent film of 30 minutes duration shot with Sony FX3 and with 5.1 mixing. The film stars Chatrapathi Sekhar, a notable character artist from Telugu industry and Arya, a well known child artist from the same industry. Made by a passionate team based in Hyderabad. The film using a non-linear screenplay, deals with the themes of violence, fate and revenge. It was written with the purpose of sharing perspectives on popular understanding of the role of hero and violence in commercial cinema. Amidst glorification of violence, the film comes as an important contribution in order to show the human side and the bitter side of violence. In a nutshell, the film uses commercial template only to criticize the regressive value system of the commercial cinema itself.

Another month, another director! September brings a master film director from France whose films were considered to be larger than life. Remembering Jean Renoir.

Jean Renoir (1894–1979) was a pioneering French filmmaker and one of the most influential directors in cinema history. Born on September 15, 1894, in Paris, France, he was the son of the renowned impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Jean Renoir made his mark in the film industry with a body of work characterized by its humanism, social commentary, and innovative techniques. His films, such as La Grande Illusion (1937) and The Rules of the Game (1939), are celebrated for their deep characterizations, fluid camera movements, and exploration of class and societal structures. Renoir's style often blended realism with poetic storytelling, earning him a lasting legacy in both French and world cinema. He passed away on February 12, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving behind a rich cinematic heritage.

Film Title: THE GRAND ILLUSION | 1937 | 113 Mins | France | French Language with English Subtitles

About the film: A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu (Pierre Fresnay) and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal (Jean Gabin), grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein (Erich von Stroheim), who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.



Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha: The Elephant-Headed One." A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
Email Description: Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha: The Elephant-Headed One." A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
SMS Description: Ganesha Puppet Show

Abhaya case: women's safety in Hyderabad

Santosh Mehra retired DG of police of AP,Sulogna Das ,HR professional from kolkata now based in Hyderabad, Sushma Chitta, a stand up comedian and good speaker, Sarah Abraham, social activist, Tashi Choedup social activist and Buddhist monk.

This is a proposed informal meeting to discuss an ancient Indian treatise, Kautilya's Arthashastra, and deliberate on its continuing relevance. The discussion will be led by Dr. Kajari Kamal, Associate Professor at the Takshashila Institution. The group will analyze contemporary geopolitical crises from the perspective of the text and compare and contrast them with Western paradigms of international relations.

We expect an audience of 25 people at the maximum.

Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha-Karthikeya: Fruit of Wisdom- A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
Email Description: Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha-Karthikeya: Fruit of Wisdom- A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
SMS Description: Ganesha-Karthikeya"-Fruit of Wisdom Puppet Show

Nazar ke Samne (Before Your Eyes) is a collective expression of bodies that have endured caste
and sexual violence. The performance is filled with unfulfilled desires, confessions, secrets and
dreams. Journeying between childhood, youth and womanhood, the actors provoke questions
around identity, freedom and justice. Nazar ke Samne is woven from personal experiences,
listening closely to the body to reveal beauty and violence in everyday life.

Shudrka Hyderabad’s TELUGU play titled "RAKSHASUDI THOTA" is based on “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde. It is the tale of a cruel and miserable giant who walls off his blossom-filled garden to stop children from playing there. From a contemporary vantage point, the story can also be read through an ecological lens as a parable about human-centric greed and climate change.

Tehzeeb e Dakhan takes you to the history of Moharram in Dakhan, Hyderabad. It starts from the Bahamani era, then the QutubShahi era and finally to the Asifjahi era. Join us with our speakers and experience a never before seen visuals of all historical monuments with its history with beautiful cinematography.

Samahaara Workshop Productions
presents

A collection of classic comedies

Anton Chekhov`s
THE PROPOSAL
(Hindi Play)

&

K Balarama Murthy`s
KAAGITAM PADAVA
(Telugu Play)

&

Madabhushi Divakar Babu`s
KUNDETI KOMMU
(Telugu Play)

Directed by Rathna Shekar

08th September 2024
07.30pm
Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Entry ₹100 available at in.bookmyshow.com


THE PROPOSAL
Anton Chekhov`s play "The Proposal" in Hindi is a comedic one-act farce about Rajveer, a nervous man seeking to propose to his neighbor`s daughter, Shivani. Misunderstandings and petty arguments over land and dogs lead to chaos. Will the proposal be accepted ?


KAAGITAM PADAVA
The editors of a newly established magazine Ideal Illustrated Weekly have advertised for writers to contribute to their columns.

However, It was asked to demonstrate their talent at their office and not to send the writings by post. Then a song writer, serial writer, culinary writer and a film reviewer walk into the office one after the other to showcase their talent. Will they succeed in impressing the editor?

With many laugh out loud moments, unexpected twists, this play is a hilarious take on the obsession with self promotion and the extremes people will go in the pursuit of recognition.


KUNDETI KOMMU
Kundeti Kommu depicts the clash between two once-united villages, Pedduru and Chinnuru, torn apart by political strife. The narrative unfolds as a traveller, engaged in conversation with an urbanite, collapses precisely on the boundary line separating the two villages. This event sparks a contentious dispute over who bears the responsibility for the deceased`s final rites.

A new dilemma emerges as both brothers vie for the privilege of conducting the last rites, each blinded by the promise of monetary gain. Who will ultimately lay claim to the elusive fortune? Only by witnessing the unfolding drama will the truth be revealed.

Performing Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)

THE IDEOLOGICAL GAP: ENVISIONING AN INDIA BEYOND HINDU SUPREMACY by Sasikanth Senthil

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results have been interpreted by some commentators as a moment when the polarizing discourse of hindutva was arrested or even interrupted, especially in its home ground of uttar Pradesh. Not only did Ayodhya reject the BJP but a new battle to defend the Indian Constitution seemed to spread like wildfire. In sharp contrast to 2019 when Hindutva appeared unstoppable, the 2024 elections saw a remarkable cutting through the ideological wall of Hindutva with economic issues reemerging as also certain reversals in the consolidation among Dalit-Bahujan-adivasi communities towards the BJP. While none of these present a firm victory, do they, We could ask, represent a new consciousness emerging from a10 year encounter with Hindu supremacy.

Sashikant Senthil is an Indian politician and former civil servant, currently representing Thiruvallur Parliamentary Constituency from Tamil Nadu in the 18th Lok Sabha.

All are welcome!

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: NORTH BY NORTHWEST | 1959 | 136 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: North by Northwest is a tale of mistaken identity, with an innocent man pursued across the United States by agents of a mysterious organization trying to prevent him from blocking their plan to smuggle microfilm, which contains government secrets, out of the country. This is one of several Hitchcock films that feature a music score by Bernard Herrmann and an opening title sequence by graphic designer Saul Bass. It was the first to feature extended use of kinetic typography in its opening credits.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Ismat Chughtai, was a veritable tour de force of women's writing in India, a woman who was a feminist by instinct, long before it became fashionable to flash the badge of feminism.
She brought to the fore the modernity inherent in the actions of the poorest of rural Indian women as well as the stagnation in the minds of the so called urban elite.
Ruthlessly honest and deeply perceptive, she presented the truth of society and its women in the same nakedness in which she saw them. She wrote with a rare courage, truth and good humour which endear her to everyone who comes across her writings.

The performance begins with Saas (Mother-in-law), which is about a unique saas-bahu pair and adds a new dimension to this perceived notorious relationship.

The second story, is Chidi Ki Dukki (The Second Card of Clubs) which speaks volumes about how wit and attitude in a woman can be more attractive than the supposed good looks.

This sixty minute play is a dramatized performance of two short stories as vignettes. A letter penned by Sa’adat Hasan Manto on his view of Ismat as a woman is read out as a prelude.

UPRISING IN BANGLADESH
LESSONS AND INSPIRATIONS TO BE DRAWN

A DISCUSSION

In July this year, the students and youth of Bangladesh raised the banner of revolt against the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina government. What started as a students’ movement against the unjust quota system in the government jobs soon turned into a mass uprising against the entire system as more and more people started joining the movement. The brutal state repression and criminalising a genuine protest only led to the increase in the intensity of the storm of protest demonstrations in that country. Scared of people’s anger, Sheikh Hasina fled the country on 5 August. However, in absence of a revolutionary party which could utilise this revolutionary situation to move towards the revolutionary overthrow of the system, the movement could only succeed in ensuring the change of the government. This is a very significant political development which will have repercussions in the entire Indian subcontinent. What are the lessons to be learnt and what are inspirations to be drawn from this movement in our neighbouring country. These are the issues we plan to discuss in our next program.

All are cordially invited!

Visit following link to register for the event. (Entry is free): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1e5YjlGQn7XxYKui63NPiZjpoGgYrb1RfihFeiEARHfU/

SOHAM THEATRE PRESENTS

MARATHI ONE ACT PLAY

SHREE TASHI SOW
WRITTEN BY YOGESH SOMAN

DIRECTED BY SUHAS BARVE

We discuss about Role and character, relationships, situation, voice, movement, focus, tension, space, time, language, symbol, audience, mood and atmosphere.

I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being - Oscar Wilde

Experience the magic of romance with "Love In December", a Hindi play at Lamakaan. Set against the backdrop of a railway station, this captivating story intertwines love and nostalgia. Join Tina and Rahul on their journey as they embark on a love story where the railway station plays a pivotal role. Delve into the mysteries of their connection and discover why the railway station becomes the unsung hero of their tale. Don't miss this enchanting theatrical experience.

German Film Screening: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Subtitled in English

When the Nazis rose to power in Germany in 1933, the Jewish Kemper family knew they had to leave Berlin quickly. The father, a theater critic who had openly criticized the Nazis, was in immediate danger. Young Anna Kemper, played by Riva Krymalowski, had to make a tough choice during their hurried escape: she was allowed to take only one cuddly toy with her. She decided to leave her favorite pink rabbit with their housekeeper, Heimpi, who stayed behind. Anna's journey led her from Berlin to Switzerland, then to Paris, and finally to London. This uncertain and unsettled life was full of challenges and hardships, forcing Anna to constantly adapt to new situations. Director Caroline Link's film, based on Judith Kerr's autobiographical children's book, skillfully tells this touching family story. It appeals to both children and adults, addressing the themes of persecution, flight, and exile under Nazism in an age-appropriate way.

All are Welcome!

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: THE BIRDS | 1963| 119 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: The Birds is a 1963 American natural horror-thriller film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released by Universal Pictures. Loosely based on the 1952 short story of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, it focuses on a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California, over a few days.

The film stars Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren in her screen debut alongside Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Veronica Cartwright. The screenplay is by Evan Hunter, who Hitchcock told to develop new characters and a more elaborate plot while keeping du Maurier's title and concept of unexplained bird attacks.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the city. To celebrate the community we have built over the years, we are inviting partners and friends of Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad to participate in a community quilt, a public art project that will be displayed at GZH, Banjara Hills. This public art project aims to celebrate the sense of belonging to a community as individuals and also make space for diverse experiences and thoughts. Join us for a 2-hour workshop with facilitator Percy Kaki, where participants will design a patch with their story and hand it to the facilitator. It will then become part of a larger community quilt, which will be on display during our GZH@20 celebrations!

All materials and equipment will be provided.

All are welcome!

"Tremble" is a poignant documentary that delves into the brutal massacre of Adivasi people in Indravelli. Through harrowing eyewitness accounts and rigorous investigative journalism, the film uncovers the systemic oppression, government negligence, and police brutality behind this tragedy. It is a powerful examination of the enduring fight for justice and the strength of a community in the face of severe adversity.

A fun fluid art workshop with the play of colors and take back the magic you create. 🙂

Read A kitaab’s monthly meet-up for August. Join us book lovers

Ramesh Karthik Nayak, Kendra Sahithya Yuva Puraskar Awardee, going to give talk about Tribal Literature, culture and movements.

KHATARNAAK KHALA

This play revolves around the funny family members with Hyderabadi dialect and how they keep themselves busy with crazy and mad things. The protagonist Khala (elderly aunt in Urdu) is an ill-tempered but sensitive woman who is feared by everyone. It will take you on the laughter ride through the funny Nok-Jhok between the husband, wife and a servant. Beauty of the play is revealed at the last. The play maintains a fine balance between a character comedy and slapstick. Without leaning too much on either of them, the play manages to tickle the funny bones of the audience and in the process, slips in a social message as well.

Written and directed by Ali Ahmed Faisal

TRIO: The Battle Within (free entry)

A telugu shortfilm with the context of-

In Satya Yuga, good and evil existed in separate worlds. In Treta Yuga, evil invaded the realm of good. In Dwapara Yuga, they were bound by blood. But in Kali Yuga, they coexist within one person – you.

"TRIO: The Battle Within" explores the internal struggle of good and evil through the three gunas: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).Who decides if you are good or evil? How do we measure righteousness in today's world?

Join us for a thought-provoking journey that questions the essence of morality and human nature.
All age groups can watch.
Free entry all are invited.

August brings one of the most iconic masters of suspense, thriller, and psychological cinema, Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, and passed away on April 29, 1980, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA. Known as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with his unique style and innovative techniques.

Hitchcock had a remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, often utilizing techniques like the "MacGuffin," an object or event that drives the plot but is insignificant in itself. His films are renowned for their meticulous visual storytelling, where camera angles, lighting, and set design convey emotions and narrative elements without the need for dialogue. A hallmark of Hitchcock’s work was his brief appearances in his films, a playful signature that fans eagerly anticipated.

His exploration of psychological themes such as guilt, fear, and obsession brought depth to his characters and narratives, as exemplified in films like "Psycho" and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was also a pioneer in using innovative techniques and technology, employing long continuous takes in "Rope" to create real-time action and designing a confined set for "Rear Window" that heightened the film’s voyeuristic tension.

Music was another crucial element in Hitchcock’s films. Collaborating with composers like Bernard Herrmann, whose scores for "Psycho" and "Vertigo" are iconic, Hitchcock used music to enhance the emotional and suspenseful atmosphere of his stories. He had a knack for turning ordinary situations into extraordinary and terrifying scenarios, as seen in "The Birds," where a normal town is suddenly attacked by flocks of birds.

A recurring theme in Hitchcock's work is the "wrong man" narrative, where an innocent person is wrongly accused or caught up in dangerous situations. This theme is prominent in films like "North by Northwest" and "The 39 Steps," adding to the tension and intrigue of his stories.

Hitchcock’s unique style and mastery of the thriller genre have left a lasting impact on cinema, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in film history. His innovative approach to filmmaking and ability to engage audiences through suspense and psychological depth continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

Film Title: FAMILY PLOT | 1976 | 120 Mins | USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: Family Plot is a 1976 American black comedy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock in his final directing role. It was based on Victor Canning's 1972 novel The Rainbird Pattern, which Ernest Lehman adapted for the screen. The film stars Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane; it was screened at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival but not entered the main competition.

The story involves two couples: a "fake" psychic and her cab-driving boyfriend and a pair of professional thieves and kidnappers. Their lives come into conflict because of a search for a missing heir. The film's title is a pun: "family plot" can refer to an area in a cemetery that one family has bought for the burial of its various relatives; in this case, it also means a dramatic plot line involving multiple family members.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad
29-31 August; 3-7 pm
Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

As GN Saibaba visits Hyderabad after a trying period in prison, we receive him and Vasanta Kumari, who stood by him with enormous courage.

Aparna Thota and Sujatha Surepally will host the homecoming.

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad 29-31 August; 3-7 pm. Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

Being a relatively new artist in town, Ms Bithika Mistry, an Odissi exponent, seeks to build a community for and about the dance form and wishes to hold appreciation workshops to make people aware of what the dance form stands for. This event is one on a series of many such.

Carpe Diem is an idea of bringing all the poets together to exchange their perceptions and inspirations of poetry. Build a community that understands and supports eachother.

Freedom Film Festival, Hyderabad 29-31 August; 3-7 pm Curated by Amudhan RP

Jointly organised by LAMAKAAN & MARUPAKKAM

Freedom means different things to different people. In a country like India, where caste, class, gender, and religion play a vital role in ensuring freedom for all of us to live with dignity and to think independently, civil society must revisit the word freedom periodically to keep it alive and effectual.

This mini film festival is an attempt to reflect upon the various voices raised in recent times to protect freedom from being endangered.

About Amudhan: Amudhan R.P.

Born and brought up in a rural and small town background, Amudhan developed his liking for cinema by watching popular Tamil films with his mother Pushpam, a farmer, while sitting on the sand-bed in thatched and temporary cinema halls called Touring Talkies.

Cinema has always been a collective activity / place for Amudhan, in which people from different backgrounds come together and imagine multiple worlds in a given short time.

After completing his Post Graduation in Development Communication from Madurai Kamraj University and a two year stint from Centre for Development of Instructional Technology (CENDIT), New Delhi, Amudhan set up MARUPAKKAM (The Other Side, in Tamil) a media action group in Madurai with his like minded friends to produce, screen and disseminate documentary films, in 1996.

Amudhan has made around 20 films on various social, political and economical themes since then. He also founded Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival and Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival has been conducting them for over 23 years and 10 years respectively.

He also curates various thematic film festivals across India. He has been part of many film festivals in India as a member of the Selection Committee and a Final Jury on various occasions.

He has conducted Documentary Workshops at prestigious educational institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Central University of Hyderabad, LV Prasad Film Academy (Chennai), St Joseph’s College (Bengaluru), Loyola College (Chennai), Chetana Film Institute (Thrissur) and Sacred Heart College (Kochi).

Currently, Amudhan has been pursuing Mobile Phone Filmmaking since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, experimenting with the medium while expressing human anxieties and reaching out to nature.

Young author Mohammad Gouse's third book '826 KM' book launch. Published by Anvikshiki Publishers, this book is a feel good love story.

Art and literature can be seen as extensions of the
human mind. Very often they can reveal what lies
within, sometimes visibly, and, sometimes, not quite so
visibly. The movie club is (we hope) a fun way of
looking deeper into the emotions, perceptions and
thoughts that weave human relationships together or
tear them apart. A movie may be treated as a true story
or, alternatively, can be used as a tool to try and figure
out what went on in the directors head when the movie
was made. Either way, it’s a different way of
understanding human behavior and relationships. In the
end, by looking deeper into another’s story, we hope,
perchance, to understand ourselves better.

Join us for an enchanting evening filled with graceful movements, Vibrant Costumes, and captivating storytelling through Indian classical Dance.

Come and support these young, talented dancers as they take up the stage for the first time to bring the beauty of Bharathanatyam.
We can't wait to see you there!

All are welcome!

An independent film of 30 minutes duration shot with Sony FX3 and with 5.1 mixing. The film stars Chatrapathi Sekhar, a notable character artist from Telugu industry and Arya, a well known child artist from the same industry. Made by a passionate team based in Hyderabad. The film using a non-linear screenplay, deals with the themes of violence, fate and revenge. It was written with the purpose of sharing perspectives on popular understanding of the role of hero and violence in commercial cinema. Amidst glorification of violence, the film comes as an important contribution in order to show the human side and the bitter side of violence. In a nutshell, the film uses commercial template only to criticize the regressive value system of the commercial cinema itself.

Another month, another director! September brings a master film director from France whose films were considered to be larger than life. Remembering Jean Renoir.

Jean Renoir (1894–1979) was a pioneering French filmmaker and one of the most influential directors in cinema history. Born on September 15, 1894, in Paris, France, he was the son of the renowned impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Jean Renoir made his mark in the film industry with a body of work characterized by its humanism, social commentary, and innovative techniques. His films, such as La Grande Illusion (1937) and The Rules of the Game (1939), are celebrated for their deep characterizations, fluid camera movements, and exploration of class and societal structures. Renoir's style often blended realism with poetic storytelling, earning him a lasting legacy in both French and world cinema. He passed away on February 12, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving behind a rich cinematic heritage.

Film Title: THE GRAND ILLUSION | 1937 | 113 Mins | France | French Language with English Subtitles

About the film: A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu (Pierre Fresnay) and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal (Jean Gabin), grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein (Erich von Stroheim), who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.



Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha: The Elephant-Headed One." A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
Email Description: Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha: The Elephant-Headed One." A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
SMS Description: Ganesha Puppet Show

Abhaya case: women's safety in Hyderabad

Santosh Mehra retired DG of police of AP,Sulogna Das ,HR professional from kolkata now based in Hyderabad, Sushma Chitta, a stand up comedian and good speaker, Sarah Abraham, social activist, Tashi Choedup social activist and Buddhist monk.

This is a proposed informal meeting to discuss an ancient Indian treatise, Kautilya's Arthashastra, and deliberate on its continuing relevance. The discussion will be led by Dr. Kajari Kamal, Associate Professor at the Takshashila Institution. The group will analyze contemporary geopolitical crises from the perspective of the text and compare and contrast them with Western paradigms of international relations.

We expect an audience of 25 people at the maximum.

Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha-Karthikeya: Fruit of Wisdom- A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
Email Description: Children, parents, grandparents, and young people of all ages are cordially invited to a puppet performance titled "Ganesha-Karthikeya: Fruit of Wisdom- A classic tale of never-ending hilarity and enchantment from the Indian Ithihaasa Puranas. As the traditional Puppeteer troupes are in danger of extinction, the show is being used as a fundraiser. What could be more thrilling than a play that is a huge hit with kids and that is being performed by kids themselves? The show is in English Ticket- Rs 200/-
SMS Description: Ganesha-Karthikeya"-Fruit of Wisdom Puppet Show

Nazar ke Samne (Before Your Eyes) is a collective expression of bodies that have endured caste
and sexual violence. The performance is filled with unfulfilled desires, confessions, secrets and
dreams. Journeying between childhood, youth and womanhood, the actors provoke questions
around identity, freedom and justice. Nazar ke Samne is woven from personal experiences,
listening closely to the body to reveal beauty and violence in everyday life.

Shudrka Hyderabad’s TELUGU play titled "RAKSHASUDI THOTA" is based on “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde. It is the tale of a cruel and miserable giant who walls off his blossom-filled garden to stop children from playing there. From a contemporary vantage point, the story can also be read through an ecological lens as a parable about human-centric greed and climate change.

Tehzeeb e Dakhan takes you to the history of Moharram in Dakhan, Hyderabad. It starts from the Bahamani era, then the QutubShahi era and finally to the Asifjahi era. Join us with our speakers and experience a never before seen visuals of all historical monuments with its history with beautiful cinematography.

Samahaara Workshop Productions
presents

A collection of classic comedies

Anton Chekhov`s
THE PROPOSAL
(Hindi Play)

&

K Balarama Murthy`s
KAAGITAM PADAVA
(Telugu Play)

&

Madabhushi Divakar Babu`s
KUNDETI KOMMU
(Telugu Play)

Directed by Rathna Shekar

08th September 2024
07.30pm
Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Entry ₹100 available at in.bookmyshow.com


THE PROPOSAL
Anton Chekhov`s play "The Proposal" in Hindi is a comedic one-act farce about Rajveer, a nervous man seeking to propose to his neighbor`s daughter, Shivani. Misunderstandings and petty arguments over land and dogs lead to chaos. Will the proposal be accepted ?


KAAGITAM PADAVA
The editors of a newly established magazine Ideal Illustrated Weekly have advertised for writers to contribute to their columns.

However, It was asked to demonstrate their talent at their office and not to send the writings by post. Then a song writer, serial writer, culinary writer and a film reviewer walk into the office one after the other to showcase their talent. Will they succeed in impressing the editor?

With many laugh out loud moments, unexpected twists, this play is a hilarious take on the obsession with self promotion and the extremes people will go in the pursuit of recognition.


KUNDETI KOMMU
Kundeti Kommu depicts the clash between two once-united villages, Pedduru and Chinnuru, torn apart by political strife. The narrative unfolds as a traveller, engaged in conversation with an urbanite, collapses precisely on the boundary line separating the two villages. This event sparks a contentious dispute over who bears the responsibility for the deceased`s final rites.

A new dilemma emerges as both brothers vie for the privilege of conducting the last rites, each blinded by the promise of monetary gain. Who will ultimately lay claim to the elusive fortune? Only by witnessing the unfolding drama will the truth be revealed.