Mumbai: 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 Busan International Film Festival comes the news of its selection at the prestigious 59th BFI London Film Festival that we be happening between 7th to 18th October 2015.
The film will be screened 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 & 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 and decadent society, the two strike an unlikely friendship that will change them forever.
The invite from Clare Stewart, 59th BFI London Film Festival Director, states, “Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audience will definitely respond to”.
The 59th BFI Film Festival is often a precursor for winners & celebrated gems from parallel 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 & beautiful film and its screenings at the BFI Film Festival & 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.
