New Delhi: After winning the National Award this year for his film 'Love in India', director Qaushiq Mukherjee has bowled over critics at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival with his film 'Gandu'.
'Gandu' previewed at Yale University before making its international premiere at the 2010 South Asian International Film Festival in New York City.
'Gandu' was an official selection at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival and was also screened at the Slamdance Film Festival.
"We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation," the jury was quoted as saying on the Seattle International Film Festival website.
Qaushiq Mukherjee, who is popularly known as Q, walked away with the cash prize of $ 2,500, for his self-proclaimed anti-Bollywood adventure – 'Gandu'.
'Gandu' is a revolution for not only Bengali cinema but for Indian films in general. He cut away the Bollywood stereotypes, trading the romance and gloss for graphic sexuality in monotones to give us a 'risky post-modern third act'.
The 25-day festival, which was held from May 19 till June 12, 2011, featured over 450 films from more than 70 countries. Screened in a new category this year - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents Asian Crossroads - which had a pick of the quirky and experimental best from South Asia with the likes of - 'Saigon Electric' (Director Stephane Gauger, Vietnam), 'The Bengali Detective' (Director Phil Cox, India); 'Bi, Don’t Be Afraid!' (Director Phan Dang Di, Vietnam) and 'Donor' (Director Mark Afable Meily, Philippines).
After working in advertising for twelve years and having directed over 50 commercials, Q has won various awards on the way. Q runs a progressive art house OVERDOSE, a production, design and music company. He's known for progressive, experimental films such as 'Love in India', 'Bishh' and now 'Gandu'.
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