Cinestaan, Film London to promote Shakespeare's theme

Mumbai: In order to mark 400 years of William Shakespeare's death, Cinestaan Film Company has announced plans to invest up to 2,50,000 pounds for making movies inspired by the legendary writer's stories.

Cinestaan has joined hands with Film London and the British Council in selecting filmmaking teams from India, according to an announcement here. Cinestaan's Founder Chairman Rohit Khattar announced the ambitious plan with leading Indian directors Vishal Bhardwaj, Ritesh Batra and Vikas Bahl.

They also called for applications from producers and directors in Mumbai to apply for 'Film London: Shakespeare India' which would enable successful applicants to attend a five-day "microschool" in London by the end of July this year, where the team would also be given six months to repackage their projects.

"To partner with Film London for a film celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare is extremely exciting. Cinestaan is proud of India's cinema heritage and this collaboration shall develop a unique production, uniting talent from India and the United Kingdom," Khattar said.

Calling Khattar's initiative the biggest step to pay tribute to Shakespeare, Bhardwaj, who has adapted the Bard's three tragedies --"Maqbool", "Omkara" and "Haider" -- said, "I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative by Cinestaan and Film London to unite diverse talent from India as well as the United Kingdom in celebrating the Bard's timeless legacy."

Khattar said that Film London's award-winning initiative would unite Asian filmmaking talent from the UK and India as well as give writers, producers and directors from both countries a chance to hone their skills through an intensive programme of training and professional mentoring.

They hope to release one successful project by 2016 as part of Shakespeare 400, a year-long cultural programme on the playwright. Batra, who shot to international fame with "The Lunchbox", hailed the initiative, calling it "not just noble but also necessary."

"All creativity flourishes within confines and boxes, and there is no better box to be in for new writers and filmmakers than the works of Shakespeare."

"Queen" helmer Bahl called the venture a great effort which will allow aspiring filmmakers to collaborate "across cultures and bring life to their dreams and imaginations through the lens of Shakespeare's 400 years of traditions".