Renowned Indian singer, composer and lyricist Sona Mohapatra will be discussing the story behind her documentary film ‘Shut Up Sona’ with a Maribyrnong audience as part of a special Q&A screening tonight at Hoyts Highpoint.
As part of the 2022 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne [IFFM], the only screening of the film will be held tonight from 7pm.
The film follows Sona’s personal journey after singing an 800-year-old devotional song while being dressed ‘obscenely’ and being accused of blasphemy, which creates tension with her husband and the wider public.
‘Shut Up Sona’ is an intimate look into every woman’s search for an equal space in a culture ridden with misogyny, as well as about reclaiming one’s story and using art as protest.
This year’s IFFM program includes more than 120 films, including documentaries and short films, showcasing the best of cinema from India and the subcontinent across a range of themes and genres.
Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the festival includes both in-cinema screenings and online events.
“Victoria is home to a proud and vibrant Indian community and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne presents an unmissable opportunity to celebrate their stories, with a packed program of great films and live events,” he said.
IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick said she is looking forward to hosting in-person events after last year’s festival was moved online due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
“We are back with all our most loved live events, over 120 films in 29 languages, along with some of the world’s most respected film makers and stars,” she said.
Other screenings at Hoyts Highpoint as part of the IFFM include No Ground Beneath The Feet at 4.30pm on Friday, August 19, Dug Dug at 3.45pm on Saturday, August 20 and Paka (River of Blood) at 6.30pm on Saturday, August 20.
Details: www.hoyts.com.au/movies/iffm-shut-up-sona-hindi-plus-qa or iffm.com.au
