JEDDAH — The 6th Asian Film Festival 2013, organized by the Asian Consuls General Club (ACGC), presented its Indian segment at the Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah's Al-Rehab District on Sunday night. The documentary “Beating the Retreat” and the multi-award-winning full-length film “Barfi!” were screened at the event to a full house packed with more than two hundred people. Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said, “Today we have ‘Beating the Retreat' as a documentary. This is basically based on an ancient custom, whenever the war used to get over there used to be ‘blowing of the bugle' in the evening that signified the ending of the war in the olden days and troops would return. Now in the modern times this is something that signifies the end of our Republic day celebrations.” Indian Republic Day is held every January 26th when the Indian constitution was formed. “This is the day when in 1927 we adopted our resolution for independence. That is the day we adopted our constitution and we have our Republic Day every year on the 26th of January. And on 29th of January, in the evening we have this function ‘beating of the retreat' that marks the closing of the Republic Day celebrations.” “Beating the Retreat” is a short documentary representing Indian culture and traditions related to patriotism and performance during Republic Day celebrations. The bands of the three wings of the military — the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force — take part in the ceremonies. Beating the retreat is a military ceremony dating back to the 16th century in England, as it was first used to recall nearby troops to their positions. In India it marks the end of the Republic Day festivities. The ceremony was started in the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army developed the ceremony. Military bands, pipes and drums bands, buglers and trumpeters from various army regiments participate every year. Kidwai also described “Barfi!” as a beautiful film. “It is about the life of a boy who is deaf and dumb and about his love for two girls. One of the girls is autistic. The film's message is about how to live your life and how you overcome whatever shortcomings you have in your life.” The film was selected as India's official entry to the 85th Academy Awards last February under the Best Foreign Language Film category. Critics praised “Barfi!” for its cast performance, as well as its screenplay, cinematography, music and the optimistic portrayal of physically disabled people. The film starred award-winning actor Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'Cruz in the lead roles. At the 58th Filmfare Awards, the film received 13 nominations and won seven including Best Film, Best Actor for Kapoor and Best Music Director for Pritam. The Asian Film Festival in Jeddah started on March 21 and will run until April 4, promising a wide variety for film lovers. The first four films were screened at the Consulate General of Malaysia. A total of 12 films from various Asian countries are to be shown at five different venues for special invitees during the 12-day fest. The movies are screened from 8 p.m. onwards.
