A special screening hosted by IFFLA as part of our year-round program, bringing alum Nandita Das back for the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with writer/ director Nandita Das.
Venue: Lumiere Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
As Manas, a food delivery rider, and his wife Pratima, struggle to provide for their family, sharing little dreams and unexpected joys, petty squabbles and a deep love for each other, filmmaker Nandita Das lays bare the exploitation, insensitivities and inequities underlying the emerging gig economy models that turn human beings like them into mere tools for profit. Das directs Zwigato with her characteristic insight, perceptiveness and empathy. Shahana Goswami plays Pratima with warmth and fluidity. But it’s popular standup comic Kapil Sharma who steals the show with his Manas, a personification of grace in adversity. Effortless, unfeigned and profound, his performance is one of the best recent ones in Indian cinema.
Zwigato had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Asian premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and the Indian premiere at the International Film Festival of Kerala.
NANDITA DAS
Nandita Das has acted in 40 films in 10 languages, including Fire (1996) and Earth (1998). She has served twice as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival among others and is a strong advocate for issues of social justice. Her latest directorial venture Zwigato (2023) follows her well-acclaimed films, Firaaq (2008) and Manto (2018).
