End Date : March 18, 9:00 pm
Milbank Chapel
525 West 120th Street
Teachers College
New York, NY 10027
South Asia Association
School of International and Public Affars
The Institute for Comparative Literature and Society
The South Asia Institute
Development in South Asia
SAA, DISHA, SAI and ICLS Invite you to be part of an unforgettable night to experience the movie based on one of the most progressive writers of our time – Saadat Hasan Manto (https://goo.gl/AUbLdD) with acclaimed director and actress Nandita Das.
Manto Synopsis:
The film follows the most tumultuous four years (1946-1950) in the life of maverick writer, Saadat Hasan Manto and that of the two countries he inhabited – India and Pakistan. Manto faces a difficult choice of leaving his beloved Bombay for Lahore. There, he finds himself bereft of friends and work. His anguish finds solace in alcohol and writing but it takes a toll on his health and family. Manto’s story is interspersed with his stories creating an authentic and disturbing portrait of the times.
Nandita Das Bio:
Nandita Das has acted in more than 40 feature films in 10 different languages. She made her directorial debut with Firaaq, in 2008, that won many accolades and appreciation, both in India and abroad. Nandita also acted, wrote and directed the play, Between the Lines in 2012 that dealt with the subtle gender inequalities that exist amongst the affluent, educated class in India. She was on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival twice (2005 and 2013), among others. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work and is a strong advocate for issues of social justice and human rights. She was the Chairperson of Children’s Film Society between 2009 and 2012. Nandita has been conferred the ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ by the French Government. She was the first Indian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the International Women’s Forum. She was selected as a World Yale Fellow in 2014. Nandita’s second directorial venture, Manto, based on the life and works of Saadat Hasan Manto, one of the greatest short story writers of South Asia, had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and then went on to be screened at many other prominent festivals. Manto released in theatres in India and is available on Netflix worldwide.
This movie screening and talk with Nandita Das, is the first part of DISHA’s conference on issues of social justice, rights and identity. Come to be a part of dialogue on being free in your thoughts and action during these tumultous times.
Note: Movie screening will begin at 6 pm and will be followed by a post-screening discussion with Director Nandita Das.
