An Argentine film critic and curator, Fernando Brenner, has offered a refreshing perspective on Indian cinema, moving beyond clichéd Bollywood stereotypes to highlight the thematic richness of Malayalam films. He also expressed astonishment at the massive fan following for football legend Lionel Messi in Kerala.
Breaking the Bollywood Stereotype
Sharing his experiences from visiting India, Brenner pointed out that his colleagues often view the country through a narrow lens. "They describe India as spices, Bollywood and a place with polluted water," he said. However, Brenner's own understanding is far deeper. He emphasized his awareness of what Indian cinema truly represents and the significance of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). "The diversity and depth of themes in Malayalam cinema are exceptional," he remarked, praising its profound narratives.
Latin American Cinema and a Focus on Migration
As a curator, Brenner shed light on the selection of Latin American films for the 30th edition of IFFK. He revealed that the chosen films are centrally themed around migration. One of the key films in this package is ‘Elder Son'. He provided a historical context, noting that about five decades ago, Latin American cinema was intensely political. This focus later evolved into more subtle fantasy narratives.
Brenner highlighted a transformative period in his home country's film industry: the Nuevo Cine Argentino movement. This pivotal shift began in the mid-1990s and revolutionized Argentine cinema by embracing low-budget productions and non-professional actors, changing its artistic face entirely.
Messi's Unlikely Home: Kerala
A self-proclaimed football enthusiast, Fernando Brenner made a charming observation about global sports fandom. "Messi truly belongs to Kerala," he stated. He clarified that while Lionel Messi remains an immensely significant and beloved figure in Argentina, the scale of his following in the southern Indian state was a delightful surprise. "I was both surprised and delighted to see such a huge Messi fan following in Kerala. The football passion here is extraordinary," Brenner concluded, connecting the region's love for nuanced cinema with its passion for the beautiful game.
