Mira Nair’s 'Azaad' to premiere at MAMI 

Short film "Azaad", presented by filmmaker Mira Nair, is set to premiere at the MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival later this month. The film, which features actors Sakshi Tanwar and Atul Kulkarni, tells the story of the dysfunctional relationship between a father and his son.

Writer-director Rahul V Chittella's short film will be screened as part of a feature film titled "Shor se Shuruaat", an ensemble of seven short films directed by various new directors.

Produced by Antara Banerjee and Naved Farooqui under the banner Mastercut Pictures, the film will also feature Siddharth Menon and Nandu Madhav.

"'Azaad' is my first attempt at a shorter film format. The film is close to my own ideals of the concept of freedom and my belief in democracy and the right to be able to say and do what we feel," Atul said in a statement.

"I am excited that we are having a premiere at MAMI film fest. My Marathi film 'Natrang' was shown here and it was beautifully received back then," he added. Talking about the making of the film, Chittella said it was a "long roller-coaster ride" to make the film which literally had "no budget".

"Zero-budget filmmaking is frustrating but also liberating. The idea started with Humaramovie getting seven renowned directors on board and asking them to recommend a filmmaker each to make a short film."

"This film is truly a result of collective passion. Every cast and crew member waived their fee and we've all worked towards creating a film that has an honest voice," Chittella said.

Beginning on October 20, the forthcoming edition of the festival will screen over 175 films from 54 countries including features, documentaries and short films.