Aaba wows the audience at the 67th Berlin Film Festival
Indian filmmakers never cease to amaze the global audience with their story-telling and film-making skills. As the Berlin Film Festival drew to a close on Saturday, Indians had a reason to rejoice. Debut filmmaker Amar Kaushik’s short film Aaba bagged a prestigious award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival.
The unconventional love story won Special Prize of the Generation K Plus International Jury for the Best Short Film of the year.
The movie is the brainchild of Amar Kaushik, who has gone full circle in life before penning down this moving tale about a man on his death bed. Produced by Raj Kumar Gupta and Mitul Diskshit and co-produced by Onir and Alison Welly, the film was shot in Apatani language in Ziro district of Arunachal Pradesh with a cast comprising locals. The story revolves around an orphan girl who comes across the news of her grandfather reaching the terminal stage of lung cancer. As the grandfather (Aaba) starts counting his days, the family faces unexpected turns.
Expressing happiness on receiving the award, Amar Kaushik said, “Aaba is my first film as a director and the project is very close to my heart. Being awarded at the Berlin Film Festival has given me moments that I will cherish all throughout my life. This award is for my entire team without whom this would not have been possible. Special thanks to my mother for sharing such a wonderful story with me and to all my producers for placing their trust in me.”
The producers were confident that the heart-rending story will strike a chord with the audience. From the locations, situations, people and expressions, Amar has put his best foot forward to replicate his imagination. The confidence that Raj, Onir and Mitul had in Aaba has clearly well paid off, as the premiere of the film at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival received amazing response, followed by the award.
Commenting on the movie’s success at Berlinale, producer Raj Kumar Gupta said, “I feel very proud and am elated that our film has won at such a prestigious festival.
It was a script that had moved me and I decided to produce it along with my friend, Mitul Dikshit. Congratulations to each and every team member who made this film happen.”