Released in 1986, Amma Ariyan (Report to Mother) was screened nearly four decades later in the Classics section of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year. The year after the film’s release, in 1987, its director John Abraham died at the age of only 49. Yet through this film he established himself not only in South India, but across the world, as a uniquely original filmmaker. Because of its powerful political statement and unconventional non-linear form, the film once again received high praise at Cannes, along with renewed appreciation for ' ...
read moreLately, independent cinema across South Asia has been zeroing in on heavy, jagged themes—war, political strife, memory, and deep-seated psychological trauma. Yet, very few filmmakers can handle these raw, sensitive nerves without slipping into generalised political commentary or over-the-top, manipulative melodrama. Rarer still are the creators who can elevate these brutal struggles into a profound, universal study of the human condition. With her very first feature film, Sri Lankan director Nadie Wasalamudaliarachchi proves she belongs to that select club. For her, a movie isn't just a convenient tool for storytelling. ' ...
read moreDavid Frankel’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 presents fashion as a fairy tale and power as its fabric, and is almost prophetic in its portrayal of how capital indulges in taste and views fashion as part of a larger deal. The first instalment of The Devil Wears Prada 20 years ago was more than just an elegant comedy about the dark underbelly of the fashion industry; it was a cultural phenomenon. A film that reframed our view of work, power and femininity, and in doing so, incidentally, cemented the figure ' ...
read moreEl Ser Querido, translated as “The Beloved”, is the latest film by Rodrigo Srogoyen, a pinnacle of the Iberian New Wave, and it encapsulates the director's artistic vision. Sorogoyen enjoys exploring the full potential of his cinematic artistry, playing with colours and sounds (or lack thereof), with aspect ratios, with music that explodes in targeted scenes, extreme close-ups and countless cinematic virtuosities. The opening scene is a tour de force of about twenty minutes highlighting the volatile dynamic between the two protagonists: Esteban, a fifty-something alpha male accustomed to dominating his ' ...
read moreNahid Masud is a Bangladeshi sound mixer, sound designer, producer and educator known for his contributions to independent cinema. He has worked on acclaimed films such as Master (Sumit), Ali (Cannes award winner), Prio Maloti, Saba, Boli, Barir Naam Shahna Runway, Nona Joler Kabbo, and Meghmallar, along with the BBC Media Action series Bishaash and Ujan Ganger Naiya. His work is recognised for its technical and artistic depth in Bangladeshi cinema. Recently, he spoke with Md Rabbi Islam for Cut to Cinema. 1. Mr. Nahid Masud, do you remember when you first became truly ' ...
read moreCut to Cinema is a monthly magazine published from Dhaka, dedicated to exploring the world of film. Each issue dives into the latest releases, highlights visionary filmmakers, and examines the evolving trends shaping both global and local cinema. We invite you—our passionate readers—to join us on this cinematic journey.
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