Overview
Go to the cinema in India and you’re in for a real show — answering the blower at pivotal narrative moments and launching into loud, unbridled conversation, heavy jostling, impromptu sing-a-long's minus the bouncing red ball and throwing betel nut in particularly involving sequences are all common practice. Amidst all this lively commotion it’s easy to lose sight of the real action taking place onscreen, a crying shame considering the vividly crafted, infectiously emotive hyper-realities for which the Indian film industry has become world famous.
This May, the second annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which fortuitously falls on the 100 year anniversary of Indian films, brings a broad selection of more than 60 of India and the wider sub-continent’s best cinema to local Hoyts and ACMI theatres. Highlights include ACMI’s 100 Years of Indian Cinema program, pure sequin encrusted escapism via Hurrah Bollywood and the counter-balancing Beyond Bollywood, a collection of experimental, art house films that suggest a deeper side to the industry, beyond much appreciated heaving bosoms and random explosions of song.
Those wishing to become part of the action, a la the aforementioned Indian fondness for audience participation, can partake in the Bollywood Dance Competition at Fed Square on May 4, or attend one of multiple corresponding masterclasses, hosted by Bollywood’s finest throughout the festival. BYO bindi.
Image via Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2013