Human struggles shine in films featured at 55th IFFI

Panaji: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) showcased two poignant films in the ‘Cinema of the World’ category, Bassima’s Womb from Canada and Loonies from Poland. These films explore deeply human themes of identity, redemption, hope, and the pursuit of a better life, leaving audiences with thought-provoking narratives.

Bassima’s Womb: A tale of sacrifice and survival

Director and actor Babek Aliassa revealed that Bassima’s Womb was inspired by Indian surrogacy stories. The film delves into the journey of Bassima, a young Syrian woman in Canada, grappling with the complexities of survival and motherhood.

Plot overview: The protagonist agrees to become a surrogate in exchange for a forged passport to reunite with her deported husband. However, she discovers she is already pregnant, leading to a heart-wrenching decision to give up her own child.

Artistic choices: Aliassa explained the absence of music, calling it a deliberate effort to avoid manipulating the audience’s emotions.

Actress insights: Maxine Denis, who plays Bassima, described the role as emotionally intense and shared her preparation process, which involved studying surrogacy documentaries and mastering French and Arabic with a Syrian accent.

Nicole-Sylvie Lagarde, who portrays the antagonist, described the film as a personal journey for her character, navigating scars and the quest for healing. The cast also faced challenging weather during filming in Canada.

Loonies: A fight for redemption and a better life

Loonies follows Eryk and Karolka, two individuals seeking redemption and peace after leaving prison. Their idealistic journey to build a new future in nature faces obstacles as Karolka’s serious illness and unaffordable treatment threaten their plans.

Character depth: Alicja Stasiewicz underwent significant physical transformation for her role, drawing on her theatre experience to portray the emotional struggles of Karolka.

Themes of love: Actor Lech Mackiewicz highlighted the central theme of love, describing it as a powerful force driving the characters’ motivations.

Music and cinematic style: Mackiewicz noted that the film’s music aligns with the characters’ emotions and reflected on the contrast between Polish cinema’s subdued tones and the vibrant, epic style of Indian films.

A call for collaboration and reflection on human struggles

Aliassa emphasized the need for Indo-Canadian collaborations to promote artistic cinema, while Mackiewicz expressed his admiration for Indian storytelling styles. Both films underscore the resilience of human spirit and the sacrifices made in the face of adversity, resonating with global audiences.

Powerful narratives at IFFI

The two films, with their unflinching portrayal of human struggles, reiterate the role of cinema as a medium to explore complex societal issues, leaving a lasting impression at the 55th IFFI.