Percept Picture Company gets major boost with the world premier of two Indian films produced by them - Firaaq and Kanjivaram at the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival, which will be held from September 4-13.

Firaaq is the directorial debut of eminent Indian actress Nandita Das, which deals with the impact of violence on human psyche and relationships. Firaaq has been selected in the Contemporary World Cinema Premiere slot. Nandita Das had shown her charisma at TIFF several times, last year her two films witnessed at TIFF – Santosh Sivan’s “Before the Rains” and Adoor Gopalkrishnan’s “Nallu Penangal” and both were highly acclaimed, but this year she is excited as her directorial debut will be premiered at TIFF.

Nandita Das, known for her acclaimed acting in films but this time she is geared up with her directorial debut film ‘FIRAAQ’. The film has a whole range of accomplished actors, like Nasseruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Dipti Naval, Raghubir Yadav, Sanjay Suri and Tisca Chopra and some new talents like Shahana Goswami and Nowaz.

She is excited about her film and adds, “It was a dream to work with so many good actors who were very supportive. I think being an actor myself; I struck a special chord with each of my actors who have given their best in the film. Watch out for the performances!”

Nandita is euphoric with the showcasing of her film at TIFF and tells, “I have been attending TIFF since Fire, in 1996, it is a film lover’s festival and I am pleased that Firaaq will have its world Premiere at TIFF. Festivals are very important to garner attention and international buyers for the film. I am looking forward to share this film with people in India. This time competition will be tough as many films by seasoned directors are contending for the place”.

“Percept Picture Company has been always recognized for producing thoughtful films. With the screening of two Indian films at Toronto International Film Festival, Indian talent will get an international platform to scatter their light all around the world. We are delighted with our association with an extremely talented actor and now a director, Nandita Das. This is a grand opportunity for us to get in touch with the worldwide audience” said Mr. Shailendra Singh, joint MD of PPC on this achievement.

‘Firaaq’ is an Urdu word that means both separation and quest. This is an ensemble film that takes place over a 24-hour period, a month after a horrific communal carnage. "Firaaq has five different stories that are at times interconnected and at times discrete. The characters are across class, gender, age and community that represent a cross section of society. The film is an aftermath story, so there is hardly any violence in the film, but a lot of tension and fear that surrounds the people.” says Nandita.

She tells that acting, directing, social work and all other things she does, lead to the same goal of communicating her concerns and interests. She says, “I try to be part of stories that need to be told and heard”. Nandita feels that Firaaq is for anyone who cares about the world we live in. She feels that violence is everyone’s concern today and there is a collective desire for peace. And that is what compelled her to make Firaaq.