Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Time: 8.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Location: Museum of Islamic Art - Auditorium

Film Screening: ‘Bombay Rose

Join us for a compelling film experience as Ajyal Film Club proudly presents a screening of ‘Bombay Rose by Gitanjali Rao.

Year: 2019
Film type: Feature Narrative
Director: Gitanjali Rao
Runtime: 93 min
Languages: Hindi with English and Arabic Subtitles

Synopsis:
Escaping from child marriage, Kamala makes flower garlands to sell on the streets of Bombay during the day, and at night works as a “dancer”. Desperately wishing to keep her little sister Tara away from the harsh life she leads, she uses her meagre earnings and those of her watchmaker grandfather to pay for school for the young girl. A chance encounter with Salim, the boy from across the street, offers hope of a better life for Kamala—who now must choose between fending for her family and finding true love.

Woven delicately through music, a red rose brings together other similar such tales of seemingly impossible love. With each frame meticulously handcrafted, Gitanjali Rao’s debut feature is a commendably realized work of animated filmmaking. Based on true events, ‘Bombay Rose’ is a chronicle of intimate yet collective struggles of people who migrate from small towns, seeking a life in the often-unforgiving city. The film explores the ruthlessness of a society where the love and life that prevails on the big screen can crush you in its mean streets. Painted frame by frame, the depiction of urban reality has a documentary style, whereas the intricate dream worlds are inspired by the rich and varied folk art styles of India.

Following the film screening, Bader member Sultan Al-Emadi will moderate an engaging Q&A session.