Directors Ruchi Joshi and Sriram Ganapathy and Actor Arfi Lamba were awarded the Best Debutante Director and Best Actor awards in the Short Film category at the recently concluded 3rd Lakecity International Film Festival (LCIFF) 2018.
Murakh
Arfi Lamba in Murakh
The Idiot (Murakh) is produced by Bombay Berlin Productions Pvt Ltd which had previously produced the critically acclaimed feature Loev (2016) that was an Official Selection at South By Southwest (SXSW), BFI Flare, Tallin Black Nights and Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival with Star 2016 and is currently streaming on Netflix and is available in over 180 countries. The Idiot (Murakh) which is directed by Ruchi Joshi and Sriram Ganapathy and stars Arfi Lamba in the lead role deals with the themes of Islamophobia, religious prejudices and bigotry among other issues. Actor Arfi Lamba’s previous credits include Singh Is Bling (2015), Fugly (2014) and Prague (2013). He had also appeared in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The Best Actor award at LCIFF also marks Lamba’s first award as an actor. The Idiot previously has also been an Official Selection at the 40th Asian American International Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival 2017 and IDSFFK 2018 Kerala among other international film festivals. The Idiot also opened the 3rd Lakecity International Film Festival that was held from Aug 10th– 11th at the ITM University, Gwalior. The festival which is organized by Eon Film which is spearheaded by Indie film maker Mohan Das showcased over 70 national and international film that dealt with diverse themes. Talking about winning the Best Actor award at the 3rd Lakecity International Film Festival 2018, an elated Arfi Lamba said, “Firsts are always special. I would stay grateful to Lake City International Film Festival for bestowing me with this honor. For actors who are not having an industry surname or a studio backing, being recognized on platforms like these adds to their confidence and their belief in their dreams. Plus, ‘The Idiot’ is a film close to my heart and that makes it all the more special.” Director Ruchi Joshi who was equally pleased on winning the Best Debutante Director award at the 3rd Lakecity International Film Festival 2018 said, “Receiving the best debutant director award was a true honour. This award will always occupy the foremost place on my mantle and in my heart as my first. While my intention with this short film was to voice and express my socio-political concerns, I am truly surprised and overwhelmed that it has won me accolades and awards. The Idiot, made on a shoestring budget with a lot of passion by the whole team involved, is one of the best things that has happened to me.”