Film

"Grief and Connection Take Center Stage in Rohan Kanawade’s Award-Winning Film Sabar Bonda—A Poignant Exploration of Love Amid Loss"

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Anand, Maharashtra — The return to Anand’s rural village evokes a profound silence marked by loss as he navigates grief alongside his mother. Their journey is captured in “Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears),” a film that explores the interplay of sorrow and affection in the embrace of shared memories. The nearly two-hour feature unfolds against the backdrop of a cultural landscape where grief reshapes relationships, revealing the universal threads of love that persist even amidst pain. Rohan Kanawade, the film’s director, recently showcased “Sabar Bonda” in Bengaluru, where it garnered significant acclaim as the first Indian … Read more

Local Film ‘Chaperone’ Gains Momentum in Hawaii Theaters with Extended Screenings and Celebrated AANHPI Cast

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HONOLULU, Hawaii — The locally produced film “Chaperone” is gaining traction across theaters in Hawaii, extending its reach due to popular demand. The film, which showcases an entirely Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cast, unfolds the story of a 29-year-old woman who unexpectedly forms a friendship with an 18-year-old high school athlete who mistakes her for a student. Directed and written by Hawaii Island’s Zoë Eisenberg, “Chaperone” features a musical score crafted by Taimane Gardner, adding a rich auditory backdrop to the narrative. The film made its much-anticipated debut on September 12 … Read more

Director Na Hong-jin Opens Up About Juggling High Expectations as Jury Chair at Busan International Film Festival

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BUSAN, South Korea — Na Hong-jin, renowned for directing acclaimed films like “The Chaser” and “The Wailing,” expressed his mix of excitement and apprehension as he took on the role of jury chair for the inaugural competition section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Speaking at a press conference on September 18, Na revealed the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders. “I was so burdened that I really didn’t want to do it,” Na remarked, eliciting laughter from attendees as he reflected on how the pressure even caused him to panic during the … Read more

Na Hong-jin Embraces Challenge as First Jury President at Busan International Film Festival’s Inaugural Competition

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BUSAN, South Korea — Director Na Hong-jin is taking on a significant role as the inaugural jury president for the new competition section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). He expressed his commitment to the judging process during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday. Reflecting on his return to such a prestigious platform after nearly a decade away from directing, Na admitted that the experience felt overwhelming. “Being on that stage again felt like a panic attack,” he said. With a keen sense of responsibility, he acknowledged the pressure of … Read more