Spotlight On The 9 South Asian Films Premiering At TIFF 2024 – And Why You Should Watch Them!

In her debut film, Lakshmipriya Devi presents a moving and colourful story of childhood courage with Boong. The film follows schoolboy Boong (Gugun Kipgen) as he overcomes geographical and ethnic barriers in Manipur to reunite his family. When Boong’s father, Joykumar, who had moved to the border city of Moreh for work, loses contact with the family, rumours of his death circulated. Determined to find the truth and surprise his mother, Mandakini (Bala Hijam), Boong teams up with his friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum) from Rajasthan. Armed with a photo and hope in the magical power of music, the boys set out on a challenging journey. Devi, in her directorial debut, highlights themes of enduring friendship amidst ongoing ethnic tensions. With standout performances from Kipgen and Sanamatum, the film combines humour and heartfelt moments, offering a poignant reminder of the power of hope and resilience in difficult times.

In her fiction feature debut, All We Imagine as Light, following her acclaimed documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing (TIFF ’21), Payal Kapadia explores a poignant narrative of transformation and romance. The film transitions from the bustling city to a tranquil seaside setting, focusing on two nurses, Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha), at pivotal moments in their lives. Prabha, a middle-aged nurse in Mumbai whose husband works abroad, is drawn into Anu’s world—a young, idealistic nurse with dreams of a future that includes a secret romance. Initially annoyed by Anu’s affair, Prabha eventually finds herself empathetic, reflecting on her unfulfilled desires sparked by a poetry-writing doctor. When Prabha’s friend Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam) faces eviction, she returns to her coastal hometown, bringing Prabha and Anu along. The move away from the city allows their emotions and dreams to flourish. Kapadia, with cinematographer Ranabir Das, captures the film’s beauty in everyday moments, from bustling markets to rooftop laundry. The film’s most compelling element is the gradual and touching development of the bond between Prabha and Anu.

Thursday, September 5 – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 3:30 PM

 

5. Tara And Akash: Love Beyond Realms – Srinivas Abrol – Market Screening

Tara, a determined 22-year-old, leaves her protective parents behind for a solo trip to Switzerland, inspired by a romance novel that brought her solace after her grandmother’s death. There, she meets Akash, a mysterious young man who turns out to be a Light being from another realm, unaware of his true purpose on Earth. As they explore Switzerland’s stunning landscapes together, their bond deepens, intertwined with the novel Tara cherishes.

With the aid of a reclusive figure named Hanumant, they uncover that their love story was penned by God, the Author of all destinies. As they decode this divine mystery, Tara and Akash realize their time together may be fleeting and that their love serves a greater purpose beyond time and space.

In Amar Wala’s dramatic debut, Shook, struggling writer Ashish (Saamer Usmani) faces upheaval as he falls for barista Claire (Amy Forsyth) and learns his estranged father, Vijay (Bernard White), has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Set in Scarborough, the film portrays Ash’s attempts to balance his writing career, personal life, and the impact of his father’s health crisis. Expanding on Wala’s 2018 short film of the same name, Shook explores Ash’s life as he navigates societal expectations, including publishers’ requests to alter his work for commercial appeal.

With its detailed depiction of local life—from the beef patties at Warden station to the Hakka restaurant Ash frequents—Shook is both a tribute to Scarborough and a reflection on the diverse, multicultural nature of the Greater Toronto Area.

Saturday, September 7 – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 5:45 PM

Confronting a male-dominated environment, Santosh faces ethical challenges, including her superior’s dismissal of a low-caste father’s missing report. The case’s tragic outcome sparks community protests and prompts the hiring of Inspector Sharma (Sunita Rajwar), a charismatic leader who defies the patriarchal norms of the station. Santosh is drawn to Sharma’s ability to navigate the male-dominated force while advocating against gender-based violence. Sharma, recognizing Santosh’s potential, takes her under her wing, leading to a complex mentor-mentee relationship.

Suri’s film combines meticulous procedural detail with a deep exploration of Santosh’s internal struggles between professional ambition and ethical integrity. Goswami’s portrayal of Santosh’s resilience is matched by Rajwar’s nuanced performance as Sharma, revealing the systemic corruption both women strive to challenge.

Thursday, September 8 – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 9:45 AM

In his poignant directorial debut, Bangladeshi filmmaker Maksud Hossain explores end-of-life care through a tense mother-daughter relationship. Saba (Mehazabien Chowdhury) is the sole caregiver for her paralyzed mother, Shirin (Rokeya Prachy), who suffers from severe heart disease. Their strained relationship, marked by Shirin’s bitterness, creates a chasm between them. When Shirin suffers a heart attack, Saba struggles to sell their home quickly, risking her budding romance with her colleague Ankur (Mostafa Monwar) to fund her mother’s surgery.

Hossain’s film compassionately depicts the characters’ efforts to navigate their harsh realities and personal dilemmas in a country where survival is a daily challenge. Saba delves into the choice between staying to face hardships or escaping them, whether through emigration or, metaphorically, a different existence. The film’s compelling performances and vibrant cinematography highlight the characters’ search for joy amidst their struggles. Through small pleasures like good food, fresh air, and music, they find moments of happiness despite their challenging circumstances.