Shabana Azmi honored at IFFSA Toronto 2024
The International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2024 is set to celebrate the illustrious career of Shabana Azmi, the iconic star of “Halo” and “Fire,” during its 13th edition from October 10-20. This tribute to Azmi’s five-decade-long journey in cinema will feature a screening of Shyam Benegal’s classic film “Mandi,” a masterclass, and a musical celebration titled “Shab-e-Sur.”
A star-studded lineup
The festival promises a rich array of premieres and events featuring prominent industry figures such as Imtiaz Ali, Deepa Mehta, Boman Irani, and Anup Singh. Boman Irani’s directorial debut, “The Mehta Boys,” co-written by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris, will have its Canadian premiere as the festival’s opening film. Imtiaz Ali’s Netflix film “Amar Singh Chamkila” will also be showcased with a theatrical screening, followed by a masterclass and a “Chamkila Night” musical event.
Noteworthy films and documentaries
The festival’s lineup includes Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner “All We Imagine as Light” and Madhumita’s “Kaalidhar Laapata,” starring Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur. Other notable films include works by Srijit Mukherji, Leesa Gazi, and Kaushal Oza. Canadian cinema will be represented by Durga Chew-Bose’s “Bonjour Tristesse” and Shadab Khan’s “I Am No Queen.” Documentary features such as Gurvinder Singh’s ”Trolley Times” and “Defiance: Fighting the Far Right” will also be part of the festival. The closing film will be Kishor P. Belekar’s “Gandhi Talks.”
Masterclasses and workshops
IFFSA Toronto 2024 will offer a variety of masterclasses and workshops, including an acting workshop led by festival ambassador Anup Singh. Additionally, the festival will launch the IFFSA Talent Fund 2024/25 to support emerging filmmakers.
Sunny Gill, the festival director, expressed his excitement: “This year’s celebration will be a vibrant tribute to the rich legacy of South Asian cinema, marked by unforgettable moments, insightful dialogues, and a profound homage to the icons who have shaped our cinematic world.”
Keala Settle to headline ‘Fly More Than You Fall’ in London
Tony nominee Keala Settle is set to headline the U.K. premiere of “Fly More Than You Fall” at London’s Southwark Playhouse Elephant, running from October 18 to November 23. The musical, written by Eric Holmes and Nat Zegree, tells the poignant story of a young girl coping with her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis.
Settle, known for her role as the bearded lady in “The Greatest Showman,” shared her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this beautifully uplifting story. It’s such a testament to the strength and compassion of the human spirit and the freedom that resides within us all.”
Creative team and production
The production is helmed by Tony and Olivier Award winner Marc David Levine, with Christian Durham directing. The creative team includes Georgie Rankcom as associate director, Heather Douglas as movement director, and Daniel Edmonds handling orchestrations.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the IFFSA Toronto 2024 and the U.K. premiere of “Fly More Than You Fall” offer a treasure trove of experiences. From celebrating the legacy of Shabana Azmi to witnessing Keala Settle’s powerful performance, these events promise to be memorable highlights in the world of entertainment.
Explore more
- Mandi
- The Mehta Boys
- Amar Singh Chamkila
- All We Imagine as Light
- Kaalidhar Laapata
- Bonjour Tristesse
- I Am No Queen
- Trolley Times
- Defiance: Fighting the Far Right
- Gandhi Talks
- Fly More Than You Fall
These links provide direct access to trailers and additional information, allowing you to dive deeper into the cinematic and theatrical experiences awaiting you.