Nagabhushan Deshpande’s debut short film selected for prestigious film festival
Nagabhushan Deshpande, a filmmaker from Mysuru, has achieved a significant milestone with his debut short film Distant – Bera Hudukida Mara, which has been selected for the Light of Asia competition at the 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Indonesia. This marks the first time a Kannada short film has been chosen for this prestigious section, making it a landmark moment for Kannada cinema.
The festival, held from November 30 to December 7, is renowned for its celebration of Asian filmmakers and their work. Deshpande, an engineer-turned-filmmaker who honed his skills at the prestigious Prague Film School, brings a deeply personal regional story with a universal message to the festival, tackling social issues through a poignant narrative.
Distant tells the story of 13-year-old Rohith, a boy navigating the complexities of his fractured family. The film explores themes of toxic masculinity, the undervaluation of women, and the awakening of a young child’s understanding of gender roles. Deshpande reflects, “Growing up in Mysuru, I saw many young boys aligning with their fathers without understanding the emotional struggles of their mothers. This film aims to challenge those patriarchal ideals.”
Since its premiere at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2024, Distant has received acclaim from audiences and critics alike, with a successful screening at the Yellowstone International Film Festival in Delhi. Its selection for JAFF marks the film’s debut on the international stage, showcasing Kannada storytelling to a global audience.
This achievement not only highlights Deshpande’s journey from Mysuru to international recognition but also sets a new benchmark for Kannada short films in the global cinema scene.
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