Film

OK. It’s 2014. Google and Amazon have amalgamated to form Googlezon - Google owns cloud computing with the Google Grid and the New York Times and all newspapers are obsolete. Then Google launches EPIC…you have to see this great short film from the Museum of Media ….EPIC.

Creativity was always considered to be the domain of Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Kolkata. But now Pune is set to join the ranks of design school centered cities with the launch of the new International Institute of Industrial Design, Gaming and Animation. According to the Business Standard:

In a bid to tap more than 80,000 jobs that would come to Indians through outsourcing in animation, gaming and industrial design sectors over next three to four years, the France-based Chamber of Commerce and Valenciennois (CCIV) has joined hands with Pune-based DSK Group to launch the International Institute of Industrial Design, Gaming and Animation in Pune.

Read the full article here…..

If the only Spanish film-maker you have heard of is Almodovar (or not even him) then this new festival in Delhi will be both a treat and an education for us philistines. A Spanish Film Festival is underway as i write this at the Stein Audiotrium (India Habitat Centre) and on the 10th at the Siri Fort Auditorium.

Last week, for her birthday I treated my wife to Volver, the latest film from director Almodovar and screen goddess Penelope Cruz which was being shown at the India International Centre. We had a great time as the Spanish flair for raw emotions, melodrama, strong female characters (all the men play very minor roles in his films) and a wonderful blend of harsh realism, comedy, tragedy and surrealism.

This new festival promises even more juicy offerings including Pan’s Labyrinth (a must see), a film by Antonio Banderas (yes, the Desperado and Zorro hunk) and a host of directors I have never heard of. I will be going to as many as I can and if you happen to be in Delhi, I highly recommend a look see. Especially as its all free.