Aparna Sen honoured to chair LIFF jury

Acclaimed filmmaker Aparna Sen says it is an honour to chair the jury of the second edition of Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF), which is likely to be a "peak experience".

"LIFF is definitely a film festival with a difference with some of the most exciting recently-made films being viewed, discussed and awarded by some of the best filmmakers of the world at an incomparable venue high up amidst mountain ranges," Sen said in a statement.

"It promises to be a peak experience," said the actress-turned-filmmaker, who went behind the camera for awarded movies like "36 Chowringhee Lane", "Mr. and Mrs. Iyer" and "15 Park Avenue".

"I am deeply honoured to be chairing the distinguished jury at the second edition of this film festival," added Sen.

To be held July 5-7 in the pristine surroundings of Ladakh, the gala will also have international names like German-based documentary filmmaker Paul Amaczny and American screenwriter Mathew Robbins.

The focus this year will be 'Celebrating Womanhood', with a panel discussion upon the role of women in Indian cinema and in the Indian society.

Key highlights of the fest will include a retrospection on writer-lyricist Gulzar, curated by filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj; as well as a tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra.

A panel discussion will be focussed upon the role of women in Indian cinema and in the Indian society.

Other highlights will include a retrospection on writer-lyricist Gulzar, curated by filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj; as well as a tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra.

"Stanley Ka Dabba" filmmaker Amole Gupte, chairman of Children's Film Society of India, will host a workshop for children, while a business conclave will also be held at the extravaganza.

Some of the names likely to attend the event include Shyam Benegal, Jaya Bachchan, Govind Nihalani, Aparna Sen, Shaji N Karun, Mani Ratnam, Santosh Sivan, Imtiaz Ali, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Mike Pandey.