Documentary “When Global Kites Met Local Culture” Clinches Special Jury Award at Indo-French Film Festival

Hyderabad’s Chilkuri Sushil Rao has carved a niche in the international film arena with his latest documentary, “When Global Kites Met Local Culture.” This insightful creation has been honoured with the Best Documentary Short Film Special Jury Award at the prestigious Indo-French International Film Festival, announced on February 8, 2024. The festival, held in Puducherry, India, celebrates cinematic excellence across the globe, bringing together filmmakers and enthusiasts from diverse cultures.
Rao’s documentary delves into the vibrant world of kite flying, showcasing the spectacular international kite festival hosted in Hyderabad in January 2024 by the Government of Telangana. The film captures the essence of cultural amalgamation, featuring kite aficionados from France, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, among others, who share their passion and experiences of flying kites in this grand event. The documentary stands out for its unique portrayal of how global enthusiasts of the sport meet and mingle with the local culture of Telangana, highlighted by captivating performances from local cultural troupes.
The documentary’s theme music, crafted by Beno Joseph Malogi of Kraftsmen Media, adds a touching rhythm to the visual journey and enhances the overall narrative. A memorable moment in the film is the appearance of a giant-sized kite bearing the image of the legendary Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley, brought by Sari from Indonesia. This symbolizes the universal appeal and joy of kite flying.
While Rao’s documentary received accolades for its distinctive storytelling and cultural integration, the festival also recognized other international talents. Emmanuel Plasseraud of France took home the Best International Feature Film award for “Renaissance,” and Daniel Maurer of Switzerland was bestowed the Best Documentary Feature Film award for “And Outside Life Goes On.”
Chilkuri Sushil Rao’s “When Global Kites Met Local Culture” celebrates the universal passion for kite flying and emphasizes the beauty of cultural diversity and exchange, earning its rightful place among the celebrated works at the Indo-France International Film Festival.