One of the things that make me proud of my hometown is the growing cultural diversity that it offers through its arts and entertainment scene.
An example of this is the 2nd Louisiana Bollywood Film Festival presented by the India Studies Program at LSUS in conjunction with the India Association of Shreveport and Bossier City and Willis-Knighton Health System.
(Note: A quick refresher for those less familiar with the genre, Bollywood is the commonly used term to describe Hindu-language films made in Mumbai, India. Think of the Academy Award-winning film, “Slumdog Millionaire.” Learn more about it here.)
The weekend festival kicks off this Friday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Robinson Film Center and features a colorful line-up of films that satisfy whatever movie craving you may have from mystery to musical to romantic comedy and beyond.
Even if you’re not that familiar with Bollywood films and just want to know more about the genre, this festival is definitely worth checking it out.
The festival starts with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, which will include an Indian clothing fashion show and food catered by Abby Singer’s Bistro.
Here are a few of the featured films:
–Cheeni Kum (Unrated)
In this 2007 romantic comedy an egotistical, middle-aged chef and a young Indian businesswoman butt heads and then fall in love. However, not everyone is convinced it’s a match made in heaven.
Showtimes: 9 p.m., Jan. 13; 1 p.m., Jan. 15
–Karthik Calling Karthik (Unrated)
This 2010 film has all the makings of a Hitchcock-style thriller about a a young shy man who falls in love with his beautiful co-worker but can’t get her to notice him initially. Then, he receives a call from a stranger who sounds just likes him and guides him straight to her heart. But, the stranger eventually takes it too far.
Showtimes: 6 p.m., Jan. 13; 8:30 p.m., Jan. 14.
–The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (Unrated)
Song and dance, drama and history merge in this musical that re-tells the story of the 1857 Indian mutiny against British rule, remembered as “The First War of Indian Independence.”
Showtimes: Noon, Jan. 14; 3:30 p.m., Jan. 15.
Visit the Fun Guide at www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com to learn more about this event, ticket prices, showtimes, etc. and go here to get more information about each film featured in this festival.
