By Travis Johnson
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) have unveiled their new In Conversation Event Series, which will be held during AACTA ScreenWeek in Sydney this December.
The intimate series of Q&As will give fans and industry members alike the chance to hear first-hand from some of the most celebrated and prominent filmmakers of the Asian region, with the first two guests being Indian veterans Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher, who are also jury members for this year’s inaugural AACTA Award for Best Asian Film presented by PR Asia.
The pair will share personal anecdotes and memorable moments from their esteemed careers during a two-session event held on Sunday 3 December at the University of New South Wales.
“It’s a great thrill to be returning to Australia to hold my first Australian ‘In Conversation’ event as part of the Australian Academy’s ScreenWeek Program,” said Kher. “By sharing some of the experiences and insights I have had throughout my career, I hope to help inspire others and further engage Australian audiences with the Indian film industry.”
Amassing some 500 film credits over the course of a 35 year career, Anupam Kher is an icon of Indian cinema. His credits include Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Happy New Year, Bend it Like Beckham, The Silver Linings Playbook, and The Big Sick.
Shabana Azmi’s four decade career has seen her lauded with five National Film Awards for Best Actress, five Filmfare Awards and the fourth highest civilian honour from the Government of India, the Padma Shri. Her works include Ankur, Fire, City of Joy, and Neerja.
Azmi said, “I am very excited to connect with my fans in Australia and to have the opportunity to share my thoughts, learnings and knowledge from my career in the Indian film industry.”
Tickets are available via the AACTA website.
