Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) celebrated the diversity of global storytelling with two remarkable entries in the Cinema of the World category: the Canadian film Bassima’s Womb and the Polish production Loonies. These films, created by visionary directors and talented actors, explore deep themes such as societal pressures, identity, redemption, hope, and the pursuit of a better life.
‘Bassima’s Womb’: A Journey into Surrogacy and Resilience
Directed by Babek Aliassa, Bassima’s Womb draws inspiration from Indian surrogacy stories. During a media interaction, Aliassa revealed that the absence of music in the film was a deliberate artistic choice. “We wanted to avoid manipulating the audience emotionally,” he explained, highlighting the film’s raw and honest approach.
Aliassa also emphasized the potential for increased collaboration between Indian and Canadian cinema, noting that while Canada produces fewer feature films, such partnerships could promote artistic ventures.
Actress Maxine Denis, who portrays the titular character Bassima, described her role as intense yet rewarding. “Bassima represents a young woman full of hopes and aspirations,” Denis shared. To prepare, she immersed herself in surrogacy documentaries and learned to speak French and Arabic with a Syrian accent, calling the process both challenging and enjoyable.
Nicole-Sylvie Lagarde, who plays the antagonist, highlighted her character’s personal journey of healing and the emotional depth required for the role. She also recounted the challenges of filming in Canada’s harsh weather conditions, which added authenticity to the narrative.
‘Loonies’: Love and Transformation in a Polish Lens
The Polish film Loonies featured powerful performances, with actress Alicja Stasiewicz undergoing a significant physical transformation for her role. “Changing my weight for the character was demanding, but my years in theatre helped me emotionally prepare for such a complex part,” Stasiewicz explained.
Actor Lech Mackiewicz reflected on the film’s central theme of love, calling it “a powerful force that shapes life.” He also noted the film’s carefully crafted musical score, which aligns seamlessly with the characters’ emotions.
Mackiewicz drew comparisons between Polish and Indian cinema, appreciating the vibrant and epic storytelling style of Indian films. “I’d love to create films inspired by India’s cinematic grandeur,” he expressed.
Both Bassima’s Womb and Loonies captivated audiences at IFFI 2024, offering poignant reflections on the human experience. The films underscored the universal power of storytelling, bridging cultural divides and inspiring deeper conversations about identity, resilience, and love.
As part of the Cinema of the World category, these films exemplify the festival’s commitment to showcasing innovative narratives that push boundaries and resonate across borders.