‘Manto’ will open the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s ‘Manto’, which is directed by Nandita Das, will open the second edition of the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival (Sg.SAIFF) which will take place from October 5-14. The fest line-up represents a diverse mix of feature films, short films and documentaries, which include films from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan.

“We are delighted to screen ‘Manto’ as the opening film at Sg.SAIFF. ‘Manto’ was very much a South Asian writer,” Nandita said in a statement.

“But unlike the Europeans, we South Asians do not own this identity, despite many cultural and social similarities amongst the countries in the region. Therefore, it is important to support such festivals that celebrate cinema from the sub-continent,” she added.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnD7-AKBNPF/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

“Last year, Sg.SAIFF screened a film I acted in, ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai’ as the opening film, which is yet to be released. I was, unfortunately, unable to make it. So, I very much look forward to attending it this year,” she stated.

‘Manto’ was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and it opened to a packed house. Co-produced by HP Studios, Filmstoc and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the film is all set to be released in India later this year. The film will hit theaters on 21st September.

Also Read: ‘Manto’ Trailer: Nawaz highlights the freedom of expression this Independence Day