Mysuru Filmmaker’s Bera Hudukida Mara Premieres at 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival

Bera Hudukida Mara (Distant), the directorial debut of Mysuru filmmaker Nagbhushan Deshpandey, has made a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first Kannada short film to premiere at the Light of Asia Competition Section at the 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia.

Inspired by real-life events from his hometown of Mysuru, Nagbhushan’s film explores the emotional struggles of a 13-year-old boy, Rohith, who is caught in the web of patriarchal structures within his family. The story follows Rohith as he attempts to fix his parents’ troubled relationship, only to confront the harsh reality of societal expectations placed on women, particularly his mother. This journey of self-awareness and awakening forms the heart of Bera Hudukida Mara, highlighting themes of toxic masculinity, family dynamics, and gender roles.

A Powerful Storytelling Debut

Nagbhushan Deshpandey, an engineer turned filmmaker, brings his personal observations to the screen with a fresh perspective. His filmmaking journey, honed at the prestigious Prague Film School, has already earned him recognition in the Kannada film industry through his work on acclaimed films like Pedro (2021), Juni (2024), and Vaghachipani. However, Bera Hudukida Mara marks his bold and passionate step into directing, creating a film that resonates deeply with audiences.

In his own words, the film explores how young boys, influenced by patriarchal norms, often side with their fathers without fully understanding the emotional toll on their mothers. It’s a journey of challenging these ingrained ideologies and encouraging empathy for the women who are often silenced by society.

International Recognition and Accolades

Since its premiere, Bera Hudukida Mara has earned widespread acclaim:

• The film premiered at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2024, receiving positive reviews from both the audience and the jury.
• It secured 2nd Best Short Film at the Cini-Mini Short Film Competition organized by Satya Hegde Studios and Tent Cinemas.
• Following its success, the film was selected for the Yellow Stone International Film Festival in Delhi, showcasing its growing international appeal.

The film’s selection for the 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia marks a significant milestone, not just for Nagbhushan, but for the Kannada film industry as a whole, as it becomes the first Kannada short film to be showcased in the festival’s Light of Asia Competition Section.

A New Voice in Kannada Cinema

Bera Hudukida Mara is produced by the Karnataka Casting Company under Kiran Srinivas and is a testament to the evolving landscape of Kannada cinema. It’s a reflection of Mysuru’s growing presence in the global film industry, with the film’s recognition at such prestigious international platforms putting the city on the cinematic map.

With this achievement, Nagbhushan Deshpandey proves himself to be a filmmaker to watch, and Bera Hudukida Mara stands as a remarkable start to his promising career in filmmaking.