International Competition
Stolen
- Onsite
- 7.14 (Sun) 14:00 Audio Visual Hall
- 7.17 (Wed) 16:30 Convention Hall
Due to the nature of the work rights, this film is not available online.
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Director: Karan TEJPAL
Cast: Abhishek BANERJEE, Shubham, Mia MAELZER, Harish KHANNA, Sahidur RAHAMAN
2023 / India / 94min.
A rural town in India. As Jhumpa Mahato slumbers on a station platform, her child is snatched from her arms. Brothers Gautam and Raman, passing through the station on their way home, find themselves accidentally involved when they are mistaken for the kidnappers. Based on an actual abduction incident that took place in India, Stolen is a profoundly entertaining depiction of severe economic disparity, and the darkness of modern society, where social media amplifies a drive for vigilantism. Mia Maelzer takes on the role of the mother of the abducted child, passionately portraying this woman who absolutely refuses to abandon the search, despite the wealthy Gautam doubting her claims because of her poverty. She won the Best Actress award at the Beijing International Film Festival, where Karan Tejpal also picked up the prize for Best Director. The film was also selected for consideration at multiple other film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, and has received several awards. This stunning directorial feature-length debut has a tension-packed narrative that is sure to capture the audience and leave a lasting impression.
Director: Karan TEJPAL
Born in New Delhi, 1984. Spent childhood moving around with his army family. His passion for sports was sparked at Mayo College, Ajmer, after which he went on to play professional horse polo in India, New Zealand, and South Africa while studying at St. Stephen’s College. Transitioning from athletics to film, he found adventure and potential in the industry. Starting as an assistant director in Bollywood, he later excelled in independent cinema as a director and writer. Recognized by Sundance and the NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab, his work delves into the complexities of the world, juxtaposing brutality with humanity. His debut film, Stolen, aims to capture these complexities while offering hope and understanding.
Message
I always find myself drawn to stories that shed light on the harsh realities of our society, exposing the vulnerabilities of the powerless and the erosion of trust in our social systems. I deliberately chose to embrace a raw, unapologetic cinéma verité style. By immersing the viewers in the experience alongside my characters, I aimed to engage them fully in the search for truth and justice. I hope that this cinematic journey will not only entertain but also encourage meaningful conversations about the complexities of our world, ultimately paving the way for a better, more empathetic future.
