Indian film fest in Israel opens to rousing start

TEL AVIV: The Film Festival of India in Israel (FFII) opened to capacity crowds in Tel Aviv with the screening of Prakash Jha's latest film 'Apaharan.'
In his inaugural address on Thursday at the Tel Aviv chapter of the film festival, Indian Ambassador to Israel Arun Kumar Singh wished ailing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who is battling for life in a Jerusalem hospital, a speedy recovery.
"All our thoughts and prayers are with the Prime Minister of Israel for his full and speedy recovery," he said.
Singh said the idea for the festival originated "in the tremendous and growing interest for Indian culture in Israel. Almost 30,000 Israeli youngsters travel to India every year and are there for extended periods, experiencing Indian culture," he said.
The Ambassador noted that Indian films featured prominently in various Israeli festivals and their success had led to the film festival dedicated to Indian films - a joint Indian embassy and Israel Foreign Ministry collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, director Prakash Jha said he was overwhelmed by the audience response to his film, which deals with the 'kidnapping' industry in Bihar.
"I am reminded of 'House Full' boards in India which is every filmmaker's dream," he said.
Other contemporary Indian films scheduled to be screened at the film festival till January 18 include 'Mr and Mrs Iyer' (English), 'Mouna Ragam' (Tamil), 'Vidheyan' (Malayalam), 'Vastu Purush' (Marathi) and 'Yahaan' (Hindi).
Meanwhile, the Aamir Khan-starrer 'Mangal Pandey' and 'Being Cyrus' are slated to open the Jerusalem and Haifa editions of the film festival.