MIFF HUB is a smash Hit

MIFF HUB, this year, with a pragmatic approach, aims to provide a vibrant B2B platform and meeting point for documentary filmmakers to network, interact and develop productive contacts with International and Indian mentors, funders, commissioning editors, broadcasters, distributors and co-producers.

As like its earlier edition, several round table sessions were held where the documentary filmmakers were enlightened with tips from the industry experts about what to do and ‘What not to do’ which provided a great help to them.

“In festivals abroad, there is a Festival Programme and then an Industry Programme that covers all the workshops other than the screening,” says Rashmi Lamba, Manager of MIFF HUB, a filmmaker with over 20 years experience internationally, having gained experience working at various capacities at Festivals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Toronto.

“This time, we also have something called Speed Dating where immediately after the Round Table, a filmmaker can thereafter request a personal discussion with the expert for a brief period. It is an unscheduled or impromptu meeting. It is little more than that. We actually match them and direct the person to the right expert on guidance on funding, methods of distribution.”

- Read full news and See more pics at: http://www.filmytown.com/miff-hub-smash-hit/#sthash.OAODjWf4.dpuf

Boxing is still perceived as a Male Sport: Ameesha Joshi

Say Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissian - directors of 'WITH THIS RING' - a documentary feature

“Till the recent past, Indian society was yet to fully accept the short hair and track pants associated with women’s boxing. It is generally perceived that women in Boxing aren’t supported much by the people. Even in Canada, there is the general perception that boxing is a Male sport,’ announced Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissian at the MIFF after a special screening of their film – With This Ring, featuring Indian women boxers Sarita Devi, MC Mary Kom and Chhoto Loura.

With This Ring - Producers Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissian

The film, shot across four countries – India, China, Barbados and UK, during various Boxing Championships is an attempt to tell the stories of these Women Boxers and their life.

It was during 2006 at the 4th AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships, the Indian Women made a clean sweep, winning medals in eight out of 13 categories. They became the number one team in the world. Yet the champions remained unknown even across India.

Anna Sarkissian reveals further, “Mary Kom was an unknown person until her win. It is a pity that despite winning 5 championships on the trot, incidentally never achieved by any male or female boxer, nobody cared about her and Mary Kom was virtually an unknown person. It is encouraging to note that many of them are offered jobs in Government Enterprises.”

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/boxing-still-perceived-male-sport-ameesha-joshi/#sthash.lnswiUku.dpuf

Saala Khadoos – movie review

Saala Khadoos – movie review

Rating: ***

R Madhavan plays a failed, disheartened retired boxer who now, is a coach of women’s boxing for the Indian Boxing Federation. Being true to his profession and the country, this nutty coach has the uncanny ability to spot budding talent.

He comes up with a convincing and extremely realistic performance of a true and honest coach who puts all his efforts, time (and money) in nuturing raw talent.

Being a true boxing coach, he cannot accept anything mediocre in his budding women boxers. Nothing less.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/movies/saala-khadoos-movie-review/…