India’s ‘The Spark’ Shines a Spotlight on Victims of Violence – HAF

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Rajesh S. Jala, winner of awards at the Montreal and Sao Paolo film festivals for 2008 documentary “Children of the Pyre,” has tackled a universally resonant subject with his latest film “The Spark” (“Chingari”).In the film, a filmmaker on assignment follows a crematorium worker and an old woman in the ancient city of Banaras with his camera.

A victim of violence, the filmmaker is burning with anger and hatred and is determined to take revenge for his past trauma. But a series of unexpected events challenges his conviction.“The Spark” was selected at the screenwriters lab at Film Bazaar Goa and it went on to win the best project award at the co-production market.

It was also selected at CineMart, Rotterdam, and received grants from BROT and Global Film Initiative. The film has a $353,000 budget of which it has raised $278,000.

The project arrives at the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart) in quest of the remainder.“It’s been a charming and challenging journey.