The 17th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival has something for all the animation lovers. This year, for the first time, children below 18 years have been allowed entry for the screening of animation films like Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama and Mighty Little Bheem: I Love Taj Mahal. Entry to the two films is free and open to all, including parents or other family members coming with children.
Netflix leading show Mighty Little Bheem (MLB), is adding another exciting animated short Mighty Little Bheem: I Love Taj Mahal to its animated content library. The animated short premiered on Netflix today and at the same time got screened at MIFF today. The 21 minute (non dialogue) short features the laddu loving comic character as he takes a trip to the Taj Mahal and ends up doing mischief while exploring the beautiful palace.
Sharing the proud moment with Animation Xpress, Green Gold Animation CEO and creator of MLB Rajiv Chilaka said, “We are thrilled that the special on Mighty Little Bheem titled I Love Taj Mahal premiered at MIFF. Producing this special of 21 minute duration was a challenge as it’s a sound off show plus the location is stunning, and we had to ensure that every frame looks good. I am sure the kids around the world will love this one and if you missed seeing it at MIFF, you can catch it on Netflix!”
Also, Blink Pictures’ Nadam (Sound) and Rangi Saari (Colours of Love) have been selected at MIFF in the International Prism Section (Animation) and International Competition Section (Animation). It will be screening tomorrow, 31 May from 10 to 11:15 am in Audi I theatre, Films Division Complex.
Nadam (Sound) is an experiential film for the Indian Music Experience museum, designed to play in a 180º immersive circular projection. It is a vibrant glimpse into the uniqueness and diversity of the Music of India. The story is of a young girl who wakes up scared by the sounds of the night. Her mother comforts her, shows her that every sound is a musical note, and proceeds to take her on a beautiful audio-visual journey of Indian Music.
Rangi Saari is electronica infused traditional Thumri with its roots in Indian folk, symbolising mischievous love and play with the beloved. The music video is an impressionist series of the hand painted, animated paintings, inspired by the Leela (play) of the Indian deity Krishna, that showcases the many vibrant colours of first love. It is a visual celebration of the coming of age of a young girl. In April 2022, the Rangi Saari music video recorded 10 million plus organic YouTube views.
Sharing his excitement, Blink Pictures founder Indrajit Nattoji said, “I am mighty chuffed and humbled that not one but two of my films are official selections at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). It is an honour and privilege to be part of South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival for non-feature films, and both my films are passion projects that are close to my heart. The films have been selected and awarded at various film festivals worldwide, and the selection at MIFF is like a royal welcome back home!”
Talking about the future plans, Nattoji revealed, “I am lucky to have my plate full with an ongoing film installation museum project on the journey and birth of India as a republic. I am visualising and illustrating a graphic novel, and my next feature film is in the scripting and pre-production stage. Further, I have created visual design and VFX for a feature film soon to be released on a leading OTT platform.”
MIFF is currently being held till 4 June at Films Division Mumbai.
