Indian director and cinematographer Jatla Siddhartha is making waves in the film industry with his latest project, 'In the Belly of a Tiger.' This highly anticipated film is set to premiere at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival next week, and it has already captured the attention of cinephiles around the world.
'In the Belly of a Tiger' is a unique blend of surreal horror and selfless love, inspired by reportedly real events in rural India. Co-written by Siddhartha and Amanda Mooney, the story revolves around two landless farmers, Bhagole and Prabhata, who return to their village after failing to find work in the city. Their village is in disarray following the tragic death of a farmer killed by a tiger. With their land gone and their only source of income being their son's labor at a brick factory, the family's future looks bleak.
As desperation sets in and their last glimmer of hope begins to fade, the elderly parents make a radical decision: to be willingly eaten by a tiger in order to secure compensation for their family. This act of sacrifice forms the heart of the film and explores the lengths a family will go to in order to ensure their loved ones' well-being.
Siddhartha has assembled an impressive international cast and crew for 'In the Belly of a Tiger.' Collaborating closely with Amanda Mooney once again, who worked with him on his debut film 'Love and Shukla,' Siddhartha has enlisted the renowned Japanese composer Umebayashi Shigeru ('The Grandmaster,' 'In the Mood for Love') to compose the film's music. The sound design is handled by the talented Resul Pookutty, who won an Oscar for his work on 'Slumdog Millionaire.' Finally, the color grading of the film is being done at the studio of Wuershan, an acclaimed fantasy and action director from China.
The production of 'In the Belly of a Tiger' has been an international endeavor. It started in 2018 with development support from Busan's Asian Cinema Fund and then went on to participate in numerous project labs and co-production markets, including Less is More, Black Night's Script Pool Tallinn, NFDC Film Bazaar – Script Lab, Hong Kong HAF, and the Tokyo Gap Financing Market. The film made appearances as a work in progress at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, NFDC Film Bazaar, and Shanghai International Film Festival Project Market, attracting financial support and partners along the way. Ultimately, the film was produced by Bhairavi Films from the United States, Wonder Pictures from China, and Jeevi Films from India, with additional co-producers Qun Films from Indonesia, Flash Forward Entertainment from Taiwan, and Myth Image from mainland China. Flash Forward Entertainment is also handling international sales.
Siddhartha's vision for 'In the Belly of a Tiger' goes beyond entertainment. He aims to speak to the soul of India, using elements of Indian mythology as a beacon of hope. By presenting a deeply personal love story, Siddhartha intends to shed light on the struggles of those living on the fringes of society and bring their stories into the forefront of human consciousness.
To ensure authenticity, Siddhartha immersed himself in the research process by living in the village where the film is set. There, he encountered families burdened by mounting debts, leading them to give up their land and pursue alternative ways to survive. This firsthand experience influenced the film's portrayal of the characters' struggles and their unwavering determination to protect their loved ones.
'In the Belly of a Tiger' is a powerful and thought-provoking film that addresses the human condition, love, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to secure a better future for their families. With an outstanding international cast and crew and a story rooted in genuine experiences, the film promises to captivate audiences at the Berlin Film Festival and beyond. Watch the trailer for 'In the Belly of a Tiger' to catch a glimpse of this compelling cinematic journey.
