Malayalam Cinema Today
Girl Friends / ഗേൾ ഫ്രണ്ട്സ് (Malayalam )
Screening Schedule
Screening 1
- 15th December
- 6.30 pm
- New 1
Screening 2
- 17th December
- 3.15 pm
- Sree
Screening 3
- 19th December
- 9.45 am
- Ajantha
Shobhana Padinjhattil
Director's bio
Shobhana Padinjhattil
Shobhana Padinjhattil K is an independent film maker from Kerala, South India, 'Girl friends' is her debut film . Born in 1971, she went through different kind of lively conditions . Though she belong to a Dalit community , she could excel as the top student in her village , Kolengattukara , Thrissur in secondary education, Shobhana's passion for reading and storytelling began at a young age. Her literary pursuits led her to the prestigious position of College magazine editor at St. Mary's College, Thrissur, Engaging with film society circles exposed her to international cinema, sparking a desire to create her own movies. However, social and economic obstacles prevented her from pursuing this passion, leading her to work as a librarian for the Government of Kerala. It was not until she reached the age of 50 that she decided to fulfill her dream of becoming a filmmaker. Thus, as a debut filmmaker, housewife, and librarian, she opened a new chapter in her life. She participated in a women's workshop focused on film making, which was her sole hands-on experience in the field. Having no prior experience in the film industry, she transitioned from being a mere spectator of movies to becoming a filmmaker.
Synopsis
The lives of five friends - Rosa, Janaki, Uma, Nandhana, and Benila - intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of experiences reflective of the complexities of city life, queer culture and explorations of identities. This multi-narrative movie explores the fluidity of sexuality, and the complexities of friendship and love among contemporary young women of Kerala. Their stories, set against the backdrop of Trivandrum's urban space, resonate with the broader themes of self-discovery, and the quest for belonging in an ever-evolving world.
Details of Cast
Janaki Raven (Leading Actress - Janaki), Rosa Felicia (Leading Actress - Rosa ), Aswathi Sarang (Supporting Actress - Nandhana), Remya Valsala (Supporting Actress - Uma ), Sethu Lakshmi (Supporting Actress - Benila ), Dr.Nikhil Raj (Leading Actor - Nikhil), Anoop Mohandas (Supporting Actor - Goutham), Kannanunni Ajayan (Supporting Actor - Nelason), Prajith K Prasad (Supporting Actor - Prajith)
Details of Crew
Sreeram Ramesh (Cinematographer/DP), Anand Ramdas (Editor), Neelima Kishor (Other), Vijayakumar Viswanathan (Other), Ganesh Marar (Sound), Firos Nediyath (Art Director), Anjali Gopan (Cinematographer), Aslam A (Other), Rajesh Dass (Music), Midhun Mohan (Animation), Sudheer P Y (Animation), Pranayakan (Animation)
Producer Details
Aman S
Writer Details
Shobhana Padinjhattil
Stills
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Categories
- International Competition (14)
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- Indian Cinema Now (7)
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- Restored Classics (7)
- Jury Films (5)
- Opening Film (1)
- Spirit of Cinema (1)
- Ann Hui: Chronicler of the Outliers (5)
- The Female Gaze (7)
- Signatures In Motion (3)
- Midnight Cinema (3)
- Festival Favourites (13)
- Viva el Cine: Latin American Films (5)
- Refracted Realities : The Existential Mindscapes of Hong Sang-soo (4)
- Chiaroscuro : Retrospective of Madhu Ambat (4)
- Celebrating Shabana Azmi (5)
- Centennial Tribute (3)
