Chhaad, starring Paoli Dam, to be premiered at International Film Festival of South Asia, Toronto

The Bengali Chhaad (The Terrace), produced by National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA), Toronto.

Directed by filmmaker Indrani, the Bengali film is due to be screened with English subtitles on 13 August, at 6:30 pm at Cineplex Odeon Morningside Cinemas, in Scarborough, Toronto.

Chhaad stars Paoli Dam, Arunoday ‘Rahul’ Banerjee, and Rajnandini Paul. The film was extensively shot in Kolkata, West Bengal, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The post-production was completed in December 2021.

The film began its journey from Film Bazaar’s Screenwriters’ Lab (SWL) and was also part of an international edit workshop, The First Cut Lab, France, with consultant Benjamin Mirguet who mentored the director and the editor.

Chhaad poster sees Paoli Dam set out in search of freedom

The drama looks at Mitra’s (Dam) relationship with her terrace and eventual disillusionment with it. A writer and schoolteacher, Mitra is perturbed with her married responsibilities and her identity issues are triggered when she is denied access to the terrace, her open space.

Ravinder Bhakar, managing director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India, stated, “We are glad that NFDC’s films are recognized at renowned festivals world over. The new production Chhaad – The Terrace will be premiering in North America and we hope the film will be supported by the audiences. We are also planning to send the film at 53rd IFFI [International Film Festival of India], which is scheduled between 20 – 28 November at Goa.”
    
IFFSA festival director Sunny Gill added, “We're thrilled to continue our partnership with NFDC as they help to produce world class Indian cinema with a focus on promoting independent voices, which is central to IFFSA's mission and vision.”

Dam thanked the festival for premiering the film and said, “A new feather in the cap for the film, it’s good to see the film steadily marching upwards and reaching its audiences. It’s being recognized by the festivals and Indrani’s work is appreciated on her directorial debut.”

Filmmaker Indrani shared that the premiere was “a dream come true and a moment to cherish all my life”. She said, “[I’m] thankful to NFDC for showing faith in me and all the cast and crew for their support and making this film happen under the tough circumstances, which makes it even more special personally.”