SFS Talkies @ The Arts House: Gattu

Director: Rajan Khosa

Cast: Mohammad Samad, Naresh Kumar, Jayanta Das

2012 \ 82min \ India \ In Hindi with English subtitles | Rating: PG

In a nation that is obsessed with flying kites, the story is set in a small town in Central India, where a nine-year-old orphan, Gattu works in his uncle's garbage-recycling business. The blue skies above the town is dominated by a black kite named 'Kali' with mysterious origins.

An illiterate street boy of small built and a humble background, Gattu never succumbs to defeat as he aims to beat Kali and become the best kite fighter. One way to bring down Kali is to find the highest ground, which happens to be the rooftop of a school.  With wit, charisma and charm, Gattu manages to wriggle his way into the school where he assumes command of a small but determined group of pupils. A dramatic battle of the skies ensues during which Gattu uses every trick in the book to claim the lead. But his greatest achievement is when, tested of his friendship with his new-found comrades, he decides to bravely step out and tells the truth.

This film cleverly touches on compelling issues such as poverty and education, while unleashing your inner child with innocence and humour, it also reaffirms the belief that one should chase your dreams against all odds.

Awards:

62nd Berlin International Film Festival 2012, The International Jury of Generation Kplus awards the Special Mention to Gattu Seoul International Youth Film Festival, SIYFF DejaVu Award New York Indian Film Festival 2012, Best Film and Best Young Actor Award - Mohammad Samad Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, Audience Award for Best Feature and Honourable Mention Award in the feature film category  The 8th Tel Aviv International Children's Film Festival, Citation of Excellence Castellinaria Film Festival in Switzerland 2012, Castello De Bronzo (Bronze Castle Award)

About the Director:

RAJAN KHOSA is a founding member of IIFW (Indian Independent Filmmakers Worldwide) and a voting member of BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television). He studied in the Royal College of Arts in London, and continued to live and practice filmmaking there. Currently, he is based in Mumbai. His widely acclaimed debut feature film, Dance of the Wind (1997) was an international co-production between six countries, premiered at the  Venice Film Festival, won several major awards at film festivals all around, and not surprisingly, had successful worldwide theatrical release. Rajan has consistently seek to explore new formats, genres and themes and has been recognized for his talent and works.

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