and

with the people in his life, and takes the audience on a journey of acceptation, realisation and liberation.

When quizzed about his expectations of audience reaction specifically in India, a country still cloistered in the closet when it comes to sexuality, Ghosh responds saying, “There are two types of audience in India. One is more educated and understands the importance of showing such cinema to the masses. And the other is one that will always create a fuss! But I am not worried about them.” Ghosh is quietly confident that his movie will make its mark.

Ghosh laughs when questioned about the intricacies of being the lead actor and director in the movie. “Well, it wasn’t easy and I had to have a lot of faith in my assistant directors. It was also interesting to experience what it’s like being on the other side,” he says with a chuckle.

This tasteful and magnificent interpretation of an epic tale is fitting in its release, acknowledging the 150th birth anniversary of the immortal Tagore.

Short film contest

An integral part of the film festival is the Western Union Short Film Competition which encourages film-makers form India, New Zealand as well as Australia to participate and get their work judged by experts. This year’s theme was ‘Connections’. This year’s winner is Nielesh Verma from the Sydney Film School, who received accolades from the audience for his movie, Letters Home. The film beautifully encapsulates how, in trying to protect our loved ones from harsh realities, we often treat them as strangers by filtering the messages we send to them.

“The judging panel of this year’s competition comprised of renowned film-makers and producers like Raj Kumar Hirani, Mick Molloy, Kabir Khan and Kunal Kohli,” Mitu said in Melbourne as she announced the winner. “It was difficult for them to pick a winner amongst the brilliant work that was seen this year. The theme of ‘Connections’ was wonderfully explored by all the entrants”.

Contestant Shaun Thomas won from NZ, Soumya Guruprasad from Melbourne and Manjari Makijany from India.