Indian film 'Gattu' wins special mention at 62nd Berlinale

Indian filmmaker Rajan Khosa's "Gattu" has won a special mention at the 62nd Berlinale for capturing the ironies, the complexities and the vitality of India.

At the award ceremony of the international film festival that concluded Saturday, the jury of the Generation Section saw in "Gattu" the potential for life's wonders in every child's eye; and in particular, the boundless ingenuity of the young rascal was utterly compelling.

Along with the heavenly dueling spectacle throughout, this combination created a humorous, energetic and joyous ride.

Khosa, a Kashmiri Pandit, told IANS on email that his "film for children, adults and all humanity is about following your dream...about following your heart. It is about not taking no for an answer and about making it happen against all odds."

"Gattu" was screened in the Generation section, devoted to provide a platform for children and young people. Every year, about 60,000 visitors attend the screenings at four venues.

One blockbuster, two film projects and two small budget films from India participated at this year's Berlinale.

The Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster "Don-The King is Back", handpicked by festival director Dieter Kosslick, was screened in the Special section. The section showcased some 20 films from around the world together including "In The Land Of Blood", the directorial debut of Hollywood sweetheart Angelina Jolie, and Chris Kenneally's "Side by Side" with Keanu Reeves.

Mohan Kumar Valasala's "Panchabhuta", a 15-minute reflection on the life of people living on a garbage dump, was among 27 short films screened from 22 countries.  According to curator Maike Mia Hoehne, short films like "Panchabhuta" are precious because they concentrate on the moment. In them the great is mirrored in the small.

Bobby Bedi, producer of "Bandit Queen", "Mangal Pandey" and "Fire", came to the Berlinale's co-production market with "Kutch", his first directorial project.  About female infanticide, "Kutch" is the first Indian project to be selected along with 39 film projects from 30 countries. Bedi's Kaleidoscope Entertainment will produce the film.

The Berlinale co-production market is an excellent meeting place for international producers and financiers in search of high-quality projects and new opportunities for co-operations.

Within the Berlinale Co-Production Market falls the Talent Project Market for 10 up-and-coming producers and directors to present their film projects to experienced co-producers and financiers. Ritesh Batra's "The Lunchbox" participated in the section.  "The Lunchbox" is co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and the USA based Cine Mosaic.