Barred directors, banned film and Manto: Cannes's 'freedom' theme is set

Sections of the Indian contingent at the 71st Cannes Film Festival are keenly awaiting the world premiere of the only title from the subcontinent in the official selection Nandita Das' "Manto". But you wouldn't guess if you went by the activities unfolding in the India Pavilion in the festival's Village International.

The presence of the long-deceased Manto, an uncompromising writer who fought all his working life to protect his creative freedom, is being felt more in his absence.

A buzz could be expected on Sunday when the film, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the eponymous role, surfaces in the competitive Un certain regard section.

Coincidentally, Manto will screen within an hour of Jafar Panahi's main Cannes Competition title "Se Rokh" (3 Faces).

The feted Iranian director, under house arrest in Tehran for the 'crime' of making films inimical to the regime, will not be in attendance as official permission for him to travel to the French Riviera is unlikely to be granted.

Fellow Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, whose Spanish-language psychological drama Everybody Knows, opened the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, rued Panahi's anticipated absence.

He wound up his Wednesday morning press conference by saying: "I find it difficult to live with the fact that Panahi will not be in Cannes. It is wonderful that he continues to make films against all odds. I am hoping against hope that he will be permitted to travel with his film."
In her brief but pointed introduction, the young director said: Even though Rafiki cannot be shown in Kenya, we can show it to you. It is a great honour. We are here to celebrate love and hope. I am distressed with much that is happening in my country but I am proud to be Kenyan."