FIFEM : Indian film 'Halkaa' bags award at Montreal fest

Mumbai : Indian filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda's "Halkaa", which had its world premiere at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Montreal Film (FIFEM), has bagged the Grand Prix de Montreal at the gala.

"Halkaa" was selected among seven international children's films from different countries in the official competition of the festival. 

"It's a great honour that 'Halkaa' won the top award at its world



premiere screening. The film has already been invited to six international film festivals," Panda said in a statement.

The film is a take on a slum child's heroism, aspirations, and dreams. The child protagonist, Pichku (Tathastu) fights to overcome the basic problems that he faces every day like defecating in the open, among others. It is his dream to make a toilet of his own where he can enjoy his privacy and do the deed in peace.