The latest acclaimed film from Auckland-based filmwriter Shuchi Kothari, due to screen at a charity event next month, has collected a new clutch of international awards.
Firaaq, written by Kothari along with Indian actress and director Nandita Das, won four prestigious awards at Filmfare in Mumbai earlier this month. Firaaq collected Best Film, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Costume Design.
The film – which tells the story of everyday people during riots in the province of Gujurat in 2002 – has already collected 14 international awards since its film festival release last year.
The April 7 charity screening of Firaaq will benefit children of the Akaash Ganga orphanage in Gujurat. Kothari is a lifelong friend of orphanage leader Dhanraj Malik and the initial stories for the film were conceived while Kothari and Nandita Das were staying at a safari camp (also run by Malik) near the orphanage.
An artprint from Auckland designer Misery, along with original artworks from Bro Town and Auckland artist Flox of Cut Collective will be auctioned as part of the charity event at The Hollywood Cinema 7 April.
Local actress/comedian Madeleine Sami will MC the auction. All tickets to the event (available at www.cathypope.co.nz) will also go into the draw to win a prize pack including a Bro Town DVD, cosmetics, Eco Store and Trade Aid products, an aromatherapy massage, and dinner at Little India restaurant.
Cathy Pope, fundraising co-ordinator, was inspired to help after visiting Akaash Ganga orphanage earlier this year.
“It’s a humbling experience to come face to face with poverty and know that you can do something to help a small community. These children’s horrific stories touched my heart deeply.”
Firaaq includes the haunting story of an orphaned child, one of many destitute children in the Gujurat province. Kothari says Malik’s orphanage – home to the abandoned children of salt mine workers in the area – is desperately needed.
“Though Firaaq is an ensemble film, the story of the orphaned child Mohsin has haunted many viewers around the world. Children inherit our compassion and our prejudices; our injustices and our faith. We are entirely responsible for what we leave behind.”
At a cost of $1.50 a day per child, Akaash Ganga www.akaashganga.org offers a stable living environment, food and education to abandoned local children. The home has space for 80 children but presently there are 30 as funds are limited.
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