Asian and Arab Films Fest to premier at Mumbai

Mumbai, May 31 (UNI) Bollywood will host the premier of the ninth Osian's Cinefan Film Festival, of Asian and Arab cinema on June 8.

The one-day blitz, in association with the Delhi government, promises to be a carnival of film screenings, exhibitions and felicitations, highlighting and honouring the works of film makers and professionals from Asia and Arab world.

For lovers of cinema, six films from Thailand, Morocco, France, Philippines, the US and India, including ''Sansho Dayu'' from legendary Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi, will be screened for free at the Tata and Little Theatre.

In addition to the screenings, three exhibitions will be held simultaneously. Firstly, a collection of photographs on the 1857 uprising and film clips based on the event will be showcased at the Piramal gallery. The Osian's Collection of Japanese film posters- depicting and reflecting the changes in style and times will also be exhibited at the Jehangir Nicholson Museum Gallery.

The NCPA will be the stage for an exhibition of different memorabilia, art works and posters from all corners of the cinematic world.

A conference on building and developing markets for films and the role of film festivals will be held alongside the screenings and exhibitions. Speakers will include Philip Cheah, Pritish Nandy, Anurag Kashyap, Aruna Vasudav and Chaiarman of Osian Neville Tuli.

The festival will conclude with a round of felicitations-of stalwarts, artistes like Mr Ibrahim Alkazi, Baburao Painter and FTII, Pune that have provided key ingredients to the magic of Indian cinema and music. A performance by 45 Manganiyar musicians from Rajasthan will also be held. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit will be the Guest of Honour, while Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh is expected to grace the function as the Chief Guest.

UNI