‘Bandar Band’ wins big at Kolkata filmfest

The 26th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) in India has bestowed an award upon Iranian-German feature ‘Bandar Band’.

Manijeh Hekmat’s movie grabbed the Best Film award at the International Competition: Innovation in Moving Images section of the Indian fest during its closing ceremony held on January 15.

In the same category, Ukrainian movie ‘Blindfold’ directed by Taras Dron won the Special Jury Mention and Artykpai Suiundukov from Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic took home the Best Director award for his movie ‘Shambala’.

‘Bandar Band’ is a road movie that depicts flooded landscapes of Iran. The movie is filled with a genre of music that is the pop culture among the youngsters of the country.

A pregnant woman, her husband, and another musician form a three-member band are willing to attend a music contest in Tehran. The contest can change their life. But can they get to Tehran in time for the event?

Reza Koulqani, Amir-Hossein Taheri, Mahdieh Mousavi, and Pegah Ahangarani, the director’s daughter, are some of the cast members of the flick.

The film has already participated in a number of global film events, including the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada and the Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland.

The KIFF is one of the oldest and most valid festivals in India. The fest aims to create an opportunity for a better understanding of international films and to promote motion picture art and industry.

AA/MG