Searching for true meaning of life

The auditorium of the American Centre was packed to capacity. People of all age group, including both Indian and US nationals were eagerly waiting for the lights to get dim so that the film festival, for which they have eagerly waited for weeks could commence.

Within few minutes, Seeking a Friend For the End Of the World was in front of the audience. Featuring Steve Carell and Keira Knightly, the film was a great start for the two-day long festival organised by the US Embassy in association with Cinedarbaar  on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

The day one of the festival started with Paul Swidder’s, councillor officer US Embassy, presentation on visas. People, especially youngsters, put up their queries regarding visas. 

Thereafter, Manjari Kaul held a discussion with the audience on John Kerouac’s novel On the Road and its profound impact on American cinema and culture. As it tells the story of two friends whose four cross country road trips are a quest true
experience.

It was followed by a popular film David Lynch’s The Straight Story, the story of an old man who makes a long journey by tractor to mend his relationship with his ill brother.
Since travelling and adventure is synonymous with each other, Easy Rider by Dennis Hopper, where two counter culture biker travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of true America, gave an enthralling start to the second day of the
festival.

Thereafter, Jum Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers took the audience on a emotional journey. Don Johnston who is dumped by his woman, receives an letter from a former lover informing him that their son must be looking for him. But Don’s neighbour moves Don to embark on a cross country search for his old flame in search of
answers.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, about a journalist and psychopathic lawyer and their visit to the sin City for a series psychedelic escapade, was a happy end to the
two-day long festival.

Besides screening, there were interactive activities for the audience like locating a place on American map and mentioning why they want to visit that particular place. Also, those present at the event were asked to make a collage of Hollywood
celebrities.