Marathi feature film ‘Sthal’ to premiere at Toronto film festival

A debut Marathi feature film, entitled, Sthal (a match) written and directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar is all set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023 (TIFF) from Sep 7 to 17.

Now in its 48th edition, the film festival is regarded as one of the prestigious platforms to showcase features in North America. Sthal has been chosen in the Discovery Program section which showcases the debut or second features of emerging filmmakers from around the world. This year, the Marathi feature to make the cut is the only Indian film to be selected under the section.

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Shot entirely in the tiny village of Dongargaon in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, which also happens to be director Somalkar’s native village, it is significant that the film will be bringing to the world audience, stories from rural India, which scarcely finds mention in the glitzy Bollywood films telling stories of rich, kids from metropolises often studying and living abroad.

Sthal is also an important watch for the western audience as it explores the concept of arranged marriage – a South Asian tradition often seen with intrigue in the West.  ‘Sthal,’ which translates into – a match, quite realistically features the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India, where the relentless pursuit of a girl’s marriage overshadows the very sustenance of life.

What is also noteworthy is that it is narrated from the perspective of a young girl. The story through its plots and characterization highlights patriarchy, colorism and social evil still deeply rooted in Indian society.

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The film also marks the debut of first-time actors from the village starring Nandini Chikte as the protagonist Savita along with Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki and Mansi Pawar.

Director and writer, Jayant Somalkar says about the upcoming screening: “I can say that my protagonist Savita found her first ‘match’ and that too from a foreign land!

“I am overwhelmed and proud that I will be able to showcase my village and my people on a global platform. People who never dreamt of facing a film camera are going to be part of one the best and most prestigious film festivals of the world, TIFF.”

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It is definitely commendable that film makers chose stories of young girls from rural societies in India where patriarchy and conservative traditions often cloud the wishes of women.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, producer Karan Grover says, “Sthal is an ambitious journey to deliver a story which may be the true story of several young women across the country. Its realism and authenticity should drive the change that we drive. Hope it resonates and everybody can get to watch the film.”

The Discovery section is curated by a team of international programmers.  Dorota Lech, TIFF Lead Programer, Discovery, & International Programmer for Central, Eastern, & Southern Europe, the Caucasus, Iran, & Turkey says, “It is a bold and exciting showcase of cinema and emerging talent from around the world, and we are honored to highlight new and distinctive voices from artists creating their first or second feature on our global stage. This year’s program of 26 titles includes films from 25 countries.”