INFORMATION

Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan
Year: 2020
Duration: 105’
Language: VOSE
Genre: Drama

SYNOPSIS

Maya, an attractive woman in her late forties, climbs the Himalayas with young Akash. It is the first time they meet, although it seems they already knew each other virtually. In Sanskrit, “maya” means magic or illusion and refers to both the mystery of the universe and its ability to manipulate human minds, simultaneously a source of art and violence. During the climb, Maya and Akash become close to each other. Among other things, the film is a contemporary fable about people in search of their identity and happiness. Maya also represents the magic of the universe that gives rise to complex and inexplicable thoughts and emotions. It is an ancient Hindu philosophy that explains the phenomenal world as an illusion, derived from the magic of the cosmos. The film was shot entirely with a cell phone (iPhone XS Max).

DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY

Sanal Kumar Sasidharan is an internationally known Indian filmmaker. A lawyer originally, he started out making independent films with Oraalppokkam (Six Feet High, 2014), which won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director, and Ozhivudivasathe Kali (An Off-Day Game, 2015), which was awarded Best Feature Film. His third film, Sexy Durga (2017) won the Hivos Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Chola and Orizonti and A’hr (Kayattam) in turn were presented respectively at the Venice and Busan festivals.