Manoj Bajpayee starrer 'The Fable' bags Best Film at Leeds International Film Festival in UK

Helmed by writer-director Raam Reddy, the film won the award in the Constellation Feature Film Competition, which honours the best “new, trailblazing cinema from around the world.”
Manoj Bajpayee's 'The Fable' to premiere at Berlin International Film Festival
Manoj Bajpayee's 'The Fable' to premiere at Berlin International Film Festival
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Actor Manoj Bajpayee's film The Fable is creating waves across the film festivals as it has bagged the best film award at the 38th Leeds International Film Festival in the UK.

Helmed by writer-director Raam Reddy, the film won the award in the Constellation Feature Film Competition, which honours the best “new, trailblazing cinema from around the world.”

In a statement, the competition jury said they were spellbound by Reddy's "lyrical homage to old tales passed through generations and made always prescient through the steady rhythms and the undeniable truths of life".

"The film spoke to notions of colonialism and labour relations through the gentle yet effective hand of magical realism, guiding the viewer through this tangible yet almost fairy-like land," said the jury.

"No other film felt as fitting a choice for the Constellation Competition Grand Prize than this inventive, entrancing film about stories carried by stars and we hope that more and more audiences will be as lucky as we were to experience it as big as possible," it added.

On his film winning the top honour at the festival, director Raam Reddy said, "Leeds is an incredible festival, not just because of its amazing heartfelt curation but also because it is an Academy Award qualifying festival that screened nearly 250 amazing films this year! I got a chance to present 'The Fable' in person in Leeds for the UK premiere and the audience reaction to the film was so engaging, it was amazing."

"This recognition of Best Film in such an important international platform makes me feel thankful and fulfilled as a filmmaker. I want to dedicate this award to my amazing team, whose sustained passion and effort over the years have brought 'The Fable' to life!," he added.

The Fable, a US-Indian co-production, is about Dev (Bajpayee), who discovers mysteriously burnt trees in his sprawling estate of fruit orchards nestled in the Indian Himalayas.

Despite all efforts, more fires break out, eventually leading him to see himself and his family for who they truly are, as per the official plotline.

Bajpayee also expressed his happiness and said that he is proud of the recognition The Fable received at the Leeds International Film Festival.

"I am incredibly honoured to be a part of 'The Fable' and to see it resonate with audiences globally. Working with director Raam Reddy, whose thoughtful storytelling and unique blend of magical realism added such depth to this project, alongside Pratap Reddy, Juhi Agarwal, and later, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, has been a profound experience," said the actor shared.

"My co-stars Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Tillotama Shome brought extraordinary talent to this journey. Winning the Best Film award at Leeds is not just a triumph for our film but a proud moment for Indian cinema. I hope 'The Fable' continues to inspire and touch peobest film ple around the world," he added.

Executive producer Guneet Monga Kapoor said she is thrilled about receiving the best film award, a first for Indian cinema.

"This win is a testament to Raam Reddy's vision and Manoj Bajpayee's remarkable performance. We're honoured to see our story resonate with global audiences on such a grand stage. The magic of 'magic realism' has just begun!," Monga expressed.

The award follows The Fable's recent success, including its world premiere at the Berlinale Film Festival 2024, and the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

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