London, England — The Marathi-language film “Cactus Pears” (“Sabar Bonda”) achieved a significant milestone by winning the Grand Jury Prize at the inaugural SXSW London festival. This recognition further solidifies the film’s successful run in festivals since its world premiere earlier this year.
The jury for the festival’s feature films, including writer-director Julia Jackman, actor Archie Madekwe, and actor-writer Susan Wokoma, selected “Cactus Pears” for this prestigious honor. Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the film tells the poignant tale of two men confronting societal expectations in a rural Indian setting.
The narrative centers on Anand, a city resident in his thirties, who returns to his family’s countryside for a ten-day mourning period after his father’s death. There, he forms a unique bond with Balya, a local farmer grappling with the pressures of remaining single. As the mourning concludes, Anand must make a critical decision about their relationship and future.
At the SXSW London closing event, Wokoma highlighted the film’s emotional depth, describing it as a “stunning portrait of love and tenderness” amid grief. She emphasized how the characters find hope and support in the face of cultural and familial challenges.
Earlier in 2023, “Cactus Pears” made a notable debut at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema (Dramatic) category, making history as the first Marathi-language film featured at Sundance. Since then, the film has garnered multiple awards, including the Audience Choice award and Special Jury Mention for Performance by a Leading Duo at the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles, as well as Audience Choice and Outstanding Performance awards at Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Rohan Kanawade expressed his excitement regarding the film’s success at SXSW London, saying the win reinforces the idea that authentic human stories transcend geographical boundaries. He noted the warm reception from both the jury and the audience at sold-out screenings, which motivates the team to bring “Sabar Bonda” to theatres soon.
Kanawade, who grew up in a Mumbai slum, shifted from interior design to filmmaking, with his short films showcased worldwide. “Cactus Pears” was further developed through platforms like the Venice Biennale College Cinema in 2022-2023, as well as the NFDC Film Bazaar and Venice Gap Financing Market.
The production team behind “Cactus Pears” includes Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki from Canada, and Kaushik Ray of Taran Tantra Telefilms in the U.K., among others. Producer Neeraj Churi remarked on the overwhelmingly positive response across different continents, emphasizing the film’s profound impact on audiences.
MPM Premium oversees global sales, while Strand Releasing manages distribution in the United States.
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