Following its successful world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023, Wendy Bednarz’s directorial debut feature, ‘Yellow Bus’ is set for its Asia premiere on November 2 at MAMI 2023 in Mumbai. ‘Yellow Bus’ is an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of loss, betrayal and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit through processing a life-changing loss. The film is a poignant drama starring Tannishtha Chatterjee and Amit Sial, in lead roles.
‘Yellow Bus’ is a collaborative effort between Indian, Jordanian, Emirati and American production houses, including Screen Project, Metatron Productions, OSN, Creative Venture, Sikhya Entertainment and Ta Films. The feature film has already garnered widespread acclaim for its heartfelt narrative and stellar performances since its world premiere in Toronto last month. Set against the backdrop of a sand-swept city in the Middle East, ‘Yellow Bus’ follows the story of Ananda, portrayed by the talented Tannishtha Chatterjee, who embodies a hopeful migrant mother who is completely shattered by a tragic life-turning incident.
Speaking of the Asia premiere, the director, Wendy Bednarz said, “We are honoured to bring ‘Yellow Bus’ to audiences at MAMI 2023. The story is a heartfelt exploration of the human experience and a mother’s worst nightmare, the tragic loss of a child. I am extremely grateful to my producers Nadia Eliewat and Guneet Monga Kapoor for empowering ‘Yellow Bus’ with a platform and to Tannishtha Chatterjee, whose riveting performance of Ananda, captures the mother’s pain with grace and sensitivity.”
Adding to her thoughts, actor Tannishtha, said, “We were overwhelmed with the response we got at Toronto International Film Festival 2023. This film was hard, even as an actor to step into the shoes of Ananda. Giving voice to this woman’s struggle of being unheard, especially in an environment that doesn’t favour you, was an emotional journey. Embodying Ananda was not easy, but I’m glad that I could be part of this film that showcases a plethora of emotions and the many aspects of grief in such a nuanced way.”
Co-Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, added, “We are proud to present a first of its kind Indo-Jordanian production. It’s a privilege to work with international storytellers like lead producer Nadia Eliwat and debutant director Wendy Bednarz. At Sikhya, we continue to seek films that bridge the gap between diaspora and non-diaspora audiences.”
Co-lead Amit Sial concluded by saying, “Pain is a very powerful emotion, and it’s debilitating when it arises out of the loss of life that is extremely precious to you, especially when it’s your own child. As an actor, I feel privileged to be a part of this heart-rending story. More so it was a privilege working with my wonderful writer-director, Wendy Bednarz, who so beautifully crafted the emotions in us day by day. A big shout out to the wonderful co-actors Tanishtha Chatterjee, Kinda Alloush, Aarushi and Kshethra. I sincerely hope that after being appreciated at TIFF recently, ‘Yellow Bus’ will be able to satisfy the audiences at MAMI too. Impatiently look forward to it.”
The film sheds light on the alienation felt by those who are not completely one with the land. In search for the truth behind her daughter’s tragedy, Ananda grapples with pain, and the emotional turmoil faced by migrants who move to foreign lands with aspirations of better living conditions. Ananda’s journey becomes a powerful metaphor for the grief experienced by mothers, showcasing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
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