Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) celebrated two remarkable films, Amma’s Pride and Onko Ki Kothin, which captivated audiences with their poignant narratives and social relevance. At a media interaction held in Panaji, the filmmakers and actors shared their inspirations and challenges in bringing these powerful stories to life.
As the only LGBTQ+ film featured at this year’s IFFI, Amma’s Pride delves into the life of Srija, a young trans woman from South India, and her journey to claim dignity and pride in a society riddled with prejudice. The short film, selected for the Indian Panorama non-feature section, showcases Srija’s fight for legal recognition of her marriage, supported unconditionally by her single mother, Valli.
Director Shiva Krish, making his debut, spoke about the film’s mission to portray transgender individuals positively. “Transgender narratives are often reduced to stereotypes in cinema, which disheartens the community. Amma’s Pride seeks to break that mould, with Valli serving as the backbone of the story, empowering her daughter to live life on her own terms,” he said.
Krish shared how the film received praise from senior LGBTQ+ activists and community members during private screenings. “Their feedback has been a morale booster. They see this film as a tool for social change, and we’re planning an impact campaign in India and the United States to create positive awareness about trans people,” he added.
Earning global recognition, the film won the Sher Vancouver Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada. It has also garnered appreciation at prestigious festivals like the 64th Krakow Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and others worldwide.
Making its world premiere at IFFI 2024, the Bengali feature film Onko Ki Kothin brings to light the determination of three underprivileged children—Babin, Dolly, and Tyre—who build a makeshift hospital while grappling with societal challenges. The film, also part of the Indian Panorama section, ends on a note of hope, questioning whether dreams can survive against the odds.
Director Saurav Palodhi revealed that the story was inspired by the pandemic’s impact on education. “Many government schools shut down during COVID, halting education for countless underprivileged children. If these factories of dreams—schools—close, where will children learn to dream? This thought drove me to create this film,” he said.
Actress Ushashi Chakraborty shared how the film’s message compelled her to join the project. “Stories about underprivileged kids are rare in Indian cinema. This inspiring tale of resilience and hope needs a bigger audience,” she said.
Palodhi further elaborated on the struggles faced by children from economically constrained families. “In our country, many parents send their kids to school only for the midday meal. Learning becomes secondary. These children’s dreams are often crushed under economic limitations. This film is my way of highlighting their honesty and determination while exposing the harsh realities they face,” he concluded.
The press conference highlighted how both films contribute to conversations about societal issues. While Amma’s Pride breaks barriers in LGBTQ+ representation, Onko Ki Kothin sheds light on the dreams and struggles of underprivileged children.
As IFFI continues to provide a platform for thought-provoking stories, Amma’s Pride and Onko Ki Kothin stand out as shining examples of cinema’s power to inspire and ignite change.
