Murakh, Code Blue & Sugihara Survivors to open the festival

From showing promise to establishing itself as a premier festival in the City of Forts, Lakecity International Film Festival has come a long way. In spite of all the odds, it’s been 3 years of blazing the trail blending cinema, tourism and culture and sparking a cinematic revolution. This year too, the Lakecity International Film Festival will be held at the LDV Block, ITM University, Turari, Gwalior on August 10-11, 2018.

Organised under the aegis of Eon Films by the award winning Filmmaker Mohan Das, LCIFF's mission is to present quality films from around the world as well as support, recognize and honor indie film makers. This year LCIFF has attracted a number of film makers from various parts of India as well from various countries across the globe.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the undeniable quality of film entries that have made its way to the submission of this 3rd edition of the festival. And choosing the best to open the festival was in itself a task. But the selection committee have done a good job in selecting the best in three different categories,” said Mohan Das, Festival Chairman & Director, Lakecity International Film Festival.”

 “If a film has made it to the festival, they are there because of the quality of their work. We have assessed them at par with other film-makers, and thus it does not have a direct impact on the films in competition this year,” says festival selection committee chairman Punita Dave. She also goes on to add that many short films received have top notch Bollywood actors essaying various roles, but it has not really impacted their selection for competition.  

Offering film lovers the opportunity to experience feature films along with shorts that usually don’t make it to the big screen, festival co-ordinator Mahua Majumdar says “the experience in itself will be surreal.”

“With over 70 local, national and international films on varied themes to be screened over two days, Murakh - The Idiot featuring Arfi Lamba will be the opening film in the shorts segment, while Sugihara Survivors directed by UK based Japanese actor Junichi Kajioka will be opening the Documentary segment. Debutante director Saba Khan’s Code Blue will be opening the feature segment based on the triple talak system. A subtle, uplifting and impressive new film that succeeds on all levels, “Code Blue” will be having its World Premiere at this festival, while “Sugihara Survivors” will have its Indian Premiere here,” added Mohan Das.

With a perspective to expose filmgoers to quality cinema and introduce them to a diverse and experimental film programme, LCIFF will also be adding elements beyond films. This edition will also be packed with thought-provoking off-screen experiences, debates, workshops on film making, cinematography and much more.