Indian Cinema Now
In the Name of Fire / Swaha
Screening Schedule
Screening 1
- 15th December
- 9.30 am
- Audi 1
Screening 2
- 17th December
- 11.15 am
- Kairali
Screening 3
- 19th December
- 11.45 am
- Kalabhavan
Abhilash Sharma
Director's bio
Abhilash Sharma
Abhilash Sharma, born in 1982 in Dhanbad, India, earned his degree in Physics from A N College, Patna, in 2003. His passion for literature blossomed in college, where he directed plays like Vijay Tendulkar's "Silence! The Court is in Session," inspiring him to pursue theatre direction at the National School of Drama in Delhi. In Delhi, his exposure to world cinema through SARAI deepened his interest in filmmaking. He studied photography with O. P. Sharma and honed his editing skills under Ashok Talwar. In 2006, he relocated to Mumbai, working as an assistant on feature projects to refine his craft. Abhilash made his directorial debut with the short film "Without Ticket Passenger" in 2010, which follows three aimless youths in Bihar searching for love. The film was selected for several Indian film festivals, including Patna and Jaipur. In 2012, he released his first feature film, "Achal Rahe Suhaag," a modern retelling of the Savitri-Satyavan myth aimed at elevating women's status in Bhojpuri cinema. His second feature, "Swaha (In the Name of Fire)," premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival in April 2024, earning five nominations and winning the Golden Goblet award for Best Director in the Asian Talent category. Abhilash’s films often tackle thought-provoking themes, particularly focusing on women’s narratives within the socio-political landscape. With a strong foundation in literature and theater, his cinematic journey continues to evolve, offering profound insights into the human condition through compelling storytelling. Without Ticket Passenger / 2010 / Short Film / 19 Minutes Thread of Love / 2012 / Feature Film / 133 minutes In the Name of Fire / 2024 / Feature Film / 99 Minutes
Synopsis
In a secluded village, Rukhiya and Phekan face trials as he ventures to find work in the city. Betrayed and unpaid, Phekan is confronted with exploitation and false accusations. Meanwhile, Rukhiya waits in their eerie home, haunted by whispers branding her a witch. One ominous night, a voice threatens her son's life unless she commits an unthinkable sacrifice, pushing her to the brink. Nehura, a remorseful cremator, recognizes Phekan and seeks redemption. Amidst the chaos, an infant's cry shatters the silence—a mysterious, divine revelation.
Details of Cast
Chandra Shekhar Dutta (Leading Actor - Nehura), Sonalli Sharmisstha (Leading Actress - Rukhiya), Satya Ranjan (Leading Actor - Phekan), Bulloo Kumar (Supporting Actor - Choudhri), Sriparna Chakrobothy (Supporting Actress - Woman on Train), Sarbind Kumar (Supporting Actor - Crematorium Manager), Kunal Kumar (Supporting Actor - Bablu)
Details of Crew
Devendra Golatkar (Cinematographer/DP), Mohandas V.P (Sound Designer ), Suresh Pai (Editor), Abhilash Sharma (Editor), Nilesh S. Gorakshe (Art Director), Ashesh Vats (Other)
Producer Details
Vikash Kumar
Writer Details
Shilpee Bhardwaj, Abhilash Sharma
Stills
Films in this category
2024
Angammal
2024
Aājoor
2024
Baghjan
2024
Sheep Barn
2024
Humans in the Loop
2024
Second Chance
Categories
- International Competition (14)
- Homage (4)
- World Cinema (63)
- Country Focus (7)
- Kaleidoscope (6)
- Malayalam Cinema Today (12)
- 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)
