March 14, 2017
Indian filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda's "Halkaa", which had its world premiere
at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Montréal Film
(FIFEM), has bagged the Grand Prix de Montreal at the gala.
"Halkaa" was
selected among seven international children's films from different countries in
the official competition of the festival.
"It's a great honour that
'Halkaa' won the top award at its world premiere screening. The film has already
been invited to six international film festivals," Panda said in a statement.
The film is a take on a slum child's heroism, aspirations, and dreams. The
child protagonist, Pichku (Tathastu) fights to overcome the basic problems that
he faces every day like defecating in the open, among others. It is his dream to
make a toilet of his own where he can enjoy his privacy and do the deed in
peace.
"India is one of the largest youth populated countries, but we
hardly produce children's cinema which is an irony," said Panda.
He said
"Halkaa" can be called a sequel to his National Award-winning film "I am Kalam".
"I am sure the audience will love this one as well. This is a family
entertainer with amazing music from Shankar Ehsaan Loy," Panda said.
The
movie features Ranvir Shorey and Paoli Dam in key roles.
FIFEM festival
director Jo-Anne Blouin said "Halkaa" touched the jury.
"The jury was
unanimously touched and enchanted with 'Halkaa' and gave the top award to the
film for the audacity of its subject matter, the opportunity for children to
discover the daily lives of children in such a different society and for the
'joie de vivre' that overcomes adversity no matter what."