This year’s conference will host Film Screenings where conference attendees can choose from a curated selection of South Asian films and documentaries.
“Paradise” (2024) is a powerful Sri Lankan-Indian drama directed by Prasanna Vithanage, known for his deep explorations of human emotions and relationships. The film follows an Indian couple, Kesav (Roshan Mathew) and Amritha (Darshana Rajendran), on a vacation to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in the scenic yet crisis-stricken hill country of Sri Lanka. Their getaway soon turns tense as unexpected events strain their relationship, exposing deeper cracks beneath the surface.
Praised for its poignant storytelling, “Paradise” delves into themes of personal and political conflict. The backdrop of a country in turmoil enhances the emotional depth of the characters’ journey, offering a compelling reflection on human frailty when faced with crisis. Vithanage’s direction, combined with standout performances from the cast, invites the audience to engage in a nuanced portrayal of strained relationships.
The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in 2023, where it won the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award. It has since traveled to various global film festivals, earning critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and performances. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 100%, “Paradise” is recognized as a must-see drama for its gripping narrative and subtle social commentary.
Thursday, 31 Oct 2024. 7 PM onwards
“Chaityabhumi” (2023), directed by Somnath Waghmare, is a poignant documentary that captures the annual pilgrimage to the iconic Chaityabhumi memorial in Mumbai, where Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was cremated in 1956. Beginning at Rajgruha, Ambedkar’s residence, and culminating at the white-domed Chaityabhumi, Waghmare’s film offers an intimate portrayal of the Dalit community’s enduring reverence for the father of India’s Constitution.
The documentary adopts an observational style, showcasing the vast crowds that gather every December 6 to honor Ambedkar. From political groups to Buddhist monks, folk performers, and makeshift stalls selling Ambedkar memorabilia, “Chaityabhumi” paints a rich tapestry of Dalit cultural life and the legacy of Ambedkar’s teachings, particularly his call to “Educate, Agitate, Organise.” The film not only documents this powerful pilgrimage but also explores the symbolic importance of Chaityabhumi, highlighting the Dalit community’s struggle for recognition and their vibrant cultural expressions.
Premiering at the London School of Economics, Waghmare’s film has gained international attention for its raw, unfiltered perspective. Without voiceovers or commentary, “Chaityabhumi” lets the visuals and voices of the people speak for themselves, immersing viewers in a world where music, protest, and remembrance intertwine.
Saturday, 1 Nov 2024. 10:30 AM onwards
The 52nd Annual Conference on South Asia in 2024 will be held primarily in-person. We regret that films will only be screened in-person as part of this year’s conference. We invite all interested filmmakers to submit their films for the 52nd Annual Conference in 2024.