Pooja, Sir (Narrative Feature Film)
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Supporting information
Date
2024-08-29
DOI
Authors
Version
Supporting documentation
OA Version
Citation
D. Rauniyar. 2024. "Pooja, Sir (Narrative Feature Film)" Volume Narrative Feature Film.
Abstract
A taut police procedural set against the volatile backdrop of the India-Nepal border, POOJA, SIR is the third feature film by Deepak Rauniyar. The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in August 2024—one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, recognized at the same level as Cannes and Berlin. It received widespread critical acclaim, with Screen International Daily calling it “a spare, affecting thriller… builds to a resolution that does more than simply answer whodunit.” The Film Fest Post described it as “one of Venice Film Festival’s most remarkable and must-watch entries this year” and praised its “visionary direction.” Other critics highlighted its “unique blend of social realism and Hollywood thriller aesthetics.” Since its Venice premiere, POOJA, SIR has screened at over two dozen major international film festivals, including Tallinn Black Nights, Göteborg, Busan, Thessaloniki, and Mumbai, further solidifying its global recognition. The film is set for theatrical release in multiple countries, including Nepal and the U.S. this March, followed by a summer rollout across most of Europe and Australia. Additionally, the UK’s Channel 4 has acquired its broadcast rights. Notable festival premieres (so far): World Premiere: Venice International Film Festival (Aug 28 – Sept 7, 2024) FilmFest Hamburg (Sep. 26 - Oct. 5, 2024) Busan International Film Festival (Oct. 2 - 11, 2024) MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (Oct. 19 - 24, 2024) Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2024) Dharamshala International Film Festival (Nov. 7 - 10, 2024) Mezipatra Queer Film Festival, Prague & Brno (Nov. 7 - 22, 2024) San Diego Asian Film Festival (Nov. 7 - 16, 2024) World Film Festival of Bangkok (Nov. 7 - 17, 2024) PÖFF: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (Nov. 8 - 24, 2024) QCinema International Film Festival, Manila (Nov. 8 - 17, 2024) Films From the South Norway (Nov. 9 - 17, 2024) International Film Festival of Kerala (Dec. 13 - 20, 2024) Goteborg International Film Festival (Jan. 24 - Feb. 2, 2025)