The Austrian Cultural Forum London in cooperation with the Austrian Film Institute present the third edition of watchAUTAustrian Film Festival, championing the best new films to emerge from Austria. Running 13 – 16 March 2025 at Ciné Lumièreand the ICA Cinemas, the festival provides a glimpse of the world as perceived by the current generation of Austrian filmmakers. With a focus on today’s hottest issues making waves in front of and behind the camera, watchAUT is both a timely snapshot and an intriguing reflection of the current status quo. As part of MEHRUNISA UK Premiere is all set to take place Including Q&A with filmmaker Sandeep Kumar. ICA, Sunday 16 March 2025, 5:30pm. A feature by Columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
This film is about an 80-year-old actress who sets her sights on an overdue dream: starring in a Bollywood epic. The male-dominated Indian film industry wants her to play a minor, background character – but she refuses to be sidelined. Starring legendary actress Farrukh Jaffar (Photograph, Peepli Live, What Will People Say), her first time as a main lead in 40 years, it’s a stirring story that critiques Bollywood’s ageism and celebrates female resilience.
“The whole process of shooting in Lucknow with an Austrian/Indian team was extremely enriching, as was the opportunity to work with the legendary FARRUKH JAFFAR. I had seen her earlier work spreading over 5 decades and was absolutely excited to give her her first lead role at 88. She had done supporting roles with all major Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Nawazudin Siddique and Amitabh Bachchan and big directors in India. Her response to me post the shoot was that doing MEHRUNISA was the most fulfilling of all those experiences. I guess she had been waiting for such a story all her life and I am so thrilled that I had the privilege to make this happen. I sincerely feel that much too few stories are told about the struggles and successes of women, in general but especially in India.” Said Writer-Director-Producer Sandeep Kumar.
This film is just the dose of emancipation, empowerment and feminism that is needed in a 2025 film genre set in this context, be prepared you may just be so blown away as every frame and dialogue is perfect!
About Sandeep Kumar
Writer, director & producer / Mehrunisa
Sandeep Kumar is an Austrian filmmaker of Indian origin whose work explores diverse cultural narratives. His debut film, Kesariya Balam / Love without Borders won a National Award in 2011 as a non-commercial feature film. His second film Servus Ishqwas produced by the Oscar winning Austrian producer Josef Aichholzer. This was followed by followed Creedless, Another Day in Manhattan, Mehrunisaand Another Christmas in Manhattan.
Mehrunisa had its world premiere at the prestigious Indian International Film Festival (IFFI) in Goa as the centerpiece film and went on to win multiple international awards, including Best film, Best actress and Best director.
Sandeep discovered his passion for film through theatre already while at school in India, where he also shared the stage with the present day Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Sandeep Kumar was guest listener in Michael Haneke’s classes at the Film Academy of Vienna. He is member of the Austrian Film Academy and the Association of Austrian Film Directors.
About The Austrian Cultural Forum London (ACF London)
It promotes cultural contacts between the UK and Austria by organising events and supporting artists and projects in the fields of music, performing arts, visual arts, literature, film and science. We provide a venue in central London for recitals, lectures, readings, film screenings, conferences and exhibitions, while also cooperating with various partners throughout the UK.
