Cactus, a feature-length film, which deals with religion-based stigma and is based on Jesus Christ, will be presented at Festival de Cannes 2019 in Marche du film section. The film opened in Vienna and was nominated for Rome Film Awards. Cactus is not like a linear narrative, it dwells on symbolic motifs to narrate the journey of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. The film is loosely based on the art forms Pieta and the Last Supper.
As per the director, Aneek Chaudhuri, “Cactus was perceived on observing the radical changes taking place in the shadow of religion. I thought noone but Mother Mary could be depicted as the ambassador of peace. Besides, eastern traditions have been questioned numerous times; now, it is the turn to show a mirror to the West as well.”
Read More: Cactus makes it to the Oscars archive
The title of this film derives itself from alternative perspectives on life. Aneek adds, “When we hear the word, ‘Cactus’, the first characteristic that defines it are the thorns; however, the stem is a watery part of the plant but people fail to relate to it. I wanted to show an alternative reality to life. That’s why it is named Cactus.”
Anurupa Chakraborty and Aishani De play Mother Mary in two different eras, while Aparajita Dey plays the female avatar of Jesus Christ.
Festival de Cannes 2019 begins in mid-May and will continue for 10 days.
