Konkona's film 'A Death in the Gunj' to open 18th MAMI film festival

The 18th edition of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will open with actress Konkona Sensharma's directorial debut "A Death in the Gunj". The opening film will be screened on 21st October, 2016.

The film has garnered critical acclaim internationally and was recently screened at the 41st Toronto Film Festival. Konkona has also written the movie, which has been shot at various locations in McCluskiegunj, Jharkhand. A coming-of-age story, set in the 1970s, the movie revolves around a family vacation and is based on true events.

"I'm truly excited and honored that ADITG will be the opening film at MAMI! It is the city of my work and where the film was conceived and prepped and I'm really looking forward to the people of my city watching it!," Konkona said in a statement.

"Last year, we opened with Hansal Mehta's powerful 'Aligarh' and we are delighted that 'A Death in the Gunj', another Indian film will be opening for the festival this year. It is a perfect film to unfold the incredible line-up we've assembled for our delegates," festival director Anupama Chopra said.

Vikrant Massey plays the lead role in the movie alongside actors like Kalki Koechlin, Tillotama Shome, Gulshan Devaiah, Ranvir Shorey and yesteryear legends, Om Puri and Tanuja. "Udta Punjab" director Abhishek Chaubey is the producer in partnership with Honey Trehan under the banner of MacGuffin Pictures.

"We had barely started celebrating the calls from Toronto and Busan when we received the best news of all! To be the opening film at MAMI is a singular honour. Nothing beats playing for a home crowd!," Chaubey said.