Today being the second last day of IFFI, it’s already kind of goodbye atmosphere. I can feel that people are rushing to the movie-halls to catch-up with their remaining favorite movies. Same with me, I am catching up with my final ones before its official over.

I am here at this beautiful Kala Mandir, the same place I enjoyed my first movie of the festival and now probably the last one. (Sigh) I am sitting here with my laptop, blogging...a bit emotional and about to start is the Canadian movie, Emotional Arithmetic, directed by Paolo Barzman.

This movie is based on the book by Canadian writer Matt Cohen (don’t get confused with the American Matt Cohen). Featuring Oscar winner Susan Sarandon, Irish actress Gabriel Byrne, Swedish actor Max von Sydow, and Canadian star Christopher Plummer. What an international star-casting already.

Emotional Arithmetic tells the story of three characters (Melanie, Jacob, and Christopher) who formed a bond in a concentration camp during World War II. It revolves around a reunion between the lead characters. The movie starts in a small town of Quebec, where Melanie’s family is waiting the arrival of a guest. The guest is Jacob, who Melanie has not seen ever since the darkest days of WWII, when Jacob looked after her and young Christopher. On the arrival, Melanie is taken aback to discover that Jacob, just released after 35 years in a prison, is accompanied by the now-grown Christopher. The film unfolds into a state of jealousy, love, and fatal consequences and the characters struggle to face the past and move on. A very impressive effort by Brazman.

During the rest of the day, I have a few meetings and get-togethers to attend. First is the open-casual Q&A session at Kala Mandir, organized by IFFI officials, trying to gather facts and experience about festivals from delegates and guests. Kind of a brain-storm sitting for next year’s festival. Officials didn’t expect to be clouded with countless questions, but overall, the session looks positive and motivating.

The second is the interesting one. A presentation by French Ambassador to India, a few consulate members are here to officially announce a special and never-before organized French Film Festival named “Rendez-vous with French Cinema” in Bombay and four other metros of India beginning Jan 08.

Tomorrow will mark the final day of IFFI. I’ll have the award winners and a last word. (Sigh)!