Much-acclaimed Sanskrit period drama "Priyamanasam" today opened the 11th edition of Habitat Film Festival, which will also pay a homage to veteran actress Helen.
Hansal Mehta's sensitive real-life inspired drama "Aligarh", Malayalam hit "Ennu Ninte Moideen", much-awaited Bengali film "Cinemawalla" and National Award-winning Tamil movie "Visaranai" are some of the cinematic gems that will be screened at the festival.
The themes of the films selected for the festival as diverse as displacement, migration, intolerance, caste, corrupt systems and destruction of indigenous culture and through all this, stories of love, courage, aspiration and resilience of the human spirit.
A special North East package, bringing movies in Assamese, Bodo, Khasi, Manipuri and Mizo, will also be offered to the audience.
The retrospective of this year's festival pays tribute to 77-year-old Helen, whose talent and individualistic portrayals created a signature style.
On May 11, there will be an interaction with Bollywood's original dancing star followed by screening of a documentary film on her.
The festival will close with Pan Nalin's female buddy film "Angry Indian Goddesses".
"This year's films bring you a selection that will entertain, enchant, engage delight and disturb in varying measure in a nine day cinematic voyage that travels across the vast terrain of the land and gives you a window into the soul of the country," said Vidyun Singh, Director Programmes, in a statement.
