Punjabi film Qissa wins TIFF award for best Asian film

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that concluded on 15 September, awarded Punjabi film Qissa with the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award for the best Asian film. Set amidst the ethnic cleansing and general chaos that accompanied India’s partition in 1947, this sweeping drama has Irrfan Khan playing a Sikh who attempts to forge a new life for his family while keeping their true identities a secret from their community. Beautiful, timeless, and touching the deepest of human impulses, Qissa carries the spirit of a great folk tale. Although it's set in a particular time and place, the Punjab region that straddles India and Pakistan in the years immediately after partition it is both deeper and broader than any one moment. As the film progresses, it cuts to the heart of eternal desires for honour, empathy and love. According to the jury that comprised the likes of Jay Jeon (Korea), Intishal Al Timimi (Abu Dhabi) and Freddie Wong (Hong Kong), the film won the award for its sensitive portrayal of the issues of identity and displacement that affect people not only in India, but in all parts of the world. The film was also considered for the award for brilliance of cinematic craft and the choice of metaphor that has been employed to tell a moving story that is bound to provoke thoughts, spark debate and give its viewers an intense experience. Presented by Heimatfilm and NFDC, Qissa is a four country co-production of Heimatfilm (Germany), NFDC (India), Augustus Film (Netherlands) and Cine-sud Promotion (France) with Match Factory being the sales agent. Besides Irrfan, the film also boasts a host of talented artistes like Tisca Chopra, Tillotama Shome, and Rasika Dugal in pivotal roles.