Bollywood movie wins award at Bali Film Festival

An Indian film, Chokker Bali (Sand in the Eyes), an adaptation from Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name, won the Sarasvati People's Choice Award at the 7th Bali International Film Festival late last month.

The award is the latest recognition that has been given the film, a psychological investigation of relationships between the sexes in a wealthy family.

The film, directed by Rituparno Ghosh, which stars former Miss World and leading Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, competed in the 2003 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland and won a National Award in India.

Set in India at the turn of the 20th century, the film also depicts the political turmoil that raged over proposals for territorial partition.

Another Indian film was also given an award at the festival. Oscar-nominated movie Shwass was honored by winning the First Special Jury Prize.

Shwass was nominated for an Oscar last year for best Foreign Language Film.

Chokker Bali will be screened to invitees at the Indian Embassy Auditorium, South Jakarta, on Dec. 10. -- JP