The biggest international film festival on water, is set to unfold in Bengaluru across the next 6 days (from Saturday 13th September) in its biggest and most dynamic avatar yet, with the launch of Voices from the Waters 2008.

The grand inaugural to Voices from the Waters 2008 will be held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, Central College Campus, Bengaluru- with the renowned Director Shekhar Kapur (Mr. India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth) as the chief guest. Bangalore Film festival Director Ms Kavitha Lankesh will be the guest of honor along with other dignitaries from the city, directors of films being screened and social activists from across the country.

One of the most acclaimed and feted contemporary short films from the country 'Raga of River Narmada' will be screened as invocation, followed by the floating of lamps by the guests, the singing of traditional folk water songs, speeches by the organizers and chief guests. The function will end with the Bangalore Premiere of 'The Rising Wave', one of the most important films on water and an eloquent reflection of how our relationships with water has changed with the times.

This ritual will set the tone and rhythm for the week long festival and celebration in Bengaluru. On Sunday films will include 'Baikal, the Immortal Lake' by noted French documentarian and national figure Jean Afanassief; 'Oil Spill in Lebanon' the only documentary of a major international catastrophe; and Kali Bien (The Black River), an acclaimed documentary about the rebirth of the river Kali Bien in Punjab to be screened on Sunday 14th. Director Surendra Manan and Baba Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, noted social reformer, environmentalist and spiritual leader who spearheaded the movement for saving the river, will be present for discussion.

Sunday will end with the film 'Flow: For Love of Water', currently enjoying accolades and a release in US, and noted Gandhian, social reformer, water activist and Magsaysay award-winner Rajendra Singh will be present after the screening for discussion.

Over 70 films and seminars during the week will give us all much food for thought, increasing the wealth and depth of our understanding of water. Supported by a consortium of organisations from Bengaluru University, national and international film societies, the Indo-French and Indo-German culture centres, and NGO's, this event once again provides a unique platform to people of Bengaluru to see, to learn and to debate on water as it affects our daily lives.

Mr. Georgekutty, co-ordinator of Voices from the waters commented *"Movies are a popular medium with young people and this is an opportunity for the young to see, learn and engage with experts in the field of water. It is fitting that this year the festival is hosted at the Bangalore University. By encouraging the young to engage we hope to bring about lasting changes in the way we value water in its entirety – economic, cultural, social, and political as well as its environmental values". *

The entry to the festival is absolutely free and audiences are invited to participate in the proceedings and contribute to the color and noise of the festival.

You are cordially invited to cover the festival in your esteemed newspaper and support the cause and the festival and join the celebrations. Thanking you.

Further information contact

Manish Sharma on 9886052803; Shivaramaiah on 9341073183 Or Georgekutty on 9448064513 Daily films and seminars schedule can be found on the following
websites: www.voicesfromthewaters.com