Films & Schedules - INDIA

This year’s Indian submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar is a quiet, contemplative film in which one man’s sincerity and virtue shine through. Aging Abu and his wife share the lifelong dream of devout Muslims to go on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca before they die. They register their names with a travel agent but soon realize that their ambition will require severe sacrifices. They sell everything they have of any value, including the jackfruit tree in front of their house. Although the tree is found to be hollow and the timber merchant is willing to take the...

This year’s Indian submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar is a quiet, contemplative film in which one man’s sincerity and virtue shine through. Aging Abu and his wife share the lifelong dream of devout Muslims to go on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca before they die. They register their names with a travel agent but soon realize that their ambition will require severe sacrifices. They sell everything they have of any value, including the jackfruit tree in front of their house. Although the tree is found to be hollow and the timber merchant is willing to take the loss, Abu—being a true Muslim—will only accept money to go to Hajj according to the principles of Islam and turns down the offer. This rare tale of Muslim community life in the South Indian state of Kerala also won the Gold Lotus (Best Film Award) at the Indian National Film Awards. (112 mins.)

First Feature.

Ages 13+.

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FILM REVIEW

Interests: New Directors, Oscar Submissions, Family Fare.