6th Jagran Film Festival to open with ‘MASSAN’

6^th Jagran Film Festival to open with ‘MASSAN’

India, 22nd June 2015: The sixth edition of the Jagran Film Festival takes off on July 1, 2015 this year with India’s high profile entry in Cannes Film Festival ‘MASAAN’ directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Sanjay Mishra, Richa Chaddha and Shweta Tiwary.

Torn between tradition and modernity the film follows the stories of several individuals in Benares, the holy city on the banks of the Ganges, reserves a cruel punishment for those who play with moral traditions. Deepak, a young man from a poor neighborhood, falls hopelessly in love with a young girl from a different caste. Devi, a young student who’s gone off the rails, is tortured by feelings of guilt following the disappearance of her first lover. Devi’s father Pathak, a victim of police corruption, has lost his moral compass because of money, while a young boy, Jhonta, is in search of a family. These characters are all seeking a better future, whilst buffeted between the demands of modern life and an attachment to tradition. And their paths are about to cross.

Winner of two prestigious awards the FIPRESCI, International Jury of Film Critics prize and Promising Future prize in the Un Certain Regard section, ‘MASAAN’ has received wide critical acclaim globally. While Jay Weissberg of Variety writes, “A ';Promising Future'; prize in Cannes should help this narratively challenged drama of two families trapped in the strictures of India’s rigid caste system”, Deborsh Young of Hollywood Reporter describes it as “India’s modern and traditional sides face off in two interlocking love stories.”

A collaborative effort of Phantom Films, Drishyam, Macassar Productions, Pathe, Sikhya Entertainment and Arte Cinema, France,  ‘Masaan’ will be presented on July 1, 2015 evening by Neeraj Ghaywan and the star cast of the film to the festival delegates personally. Manoj Srivastava, the Festival’s Strategic Consultant says, “It’s a matter of pride to open the festival with such a prestigious and worthy film. MASAAN is just the beginning; the festival has a lot in store for film delegates this year which would be revealed over the next few days...”

The Film Festival begins in New Delhi’s Siri Fort Auditoria and presents a wide ranging Indian and foreign Cinema with specially curated sections on thematic lines. “MASAAN’ an official entry in the Festival will compete for the Indian Showcase Awards.

·         Dates: Wednesday, 1^st July’2015 – Sunday, 5^th July’2015

·         Venue: Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi

·         Time: 10.00 am onwards

·         Registrations: www.jff.co.in