While Melbourne and Kolkata might seem like polar opposites on the surface, the big beating heart at their centre is the same. And, both cities are known for their robust tram network, which attracts a lot of affection from their residents. It was this spirit that drew the team behind the anthology film, My Melbourne, to the City of Joy, for a special screening at the Kolkata International Film Festival. The group, fittingly, kickstarted the Kolkata celebrations with a nostalgic tram ride from the Esplanade Tram Depot. My Kolkata joined them.
The tram brought together the producer, Mitu Bhowmick Lange; creative director Imtiaz Ali; his co-director Zhao Tammy Yang; directors, Onir and Arif Ali; and Rahul Vohra, who co-directed one of the snippets with Kabir Khan.
The team on the tram. The heritage tram will continue to ply on the streets till December 11
The team enjoyed a quintessential Kolkata afternoon, basking in the rustic glory of the iconic vehicle as it went from Esplanade to Gariahat, before finally arriving at Nandan, just in time for the film’s screening.
The crew complemented the themes of diversity and inclusivity reflected in the film. Onir said, “It doesn’t matter where a film is shot, or where the cast and crew are from. The language of cinema is universal. A good story can touch anyone, anywhere in the world.” Lange remarked how their Kolkata visit embodied this spirit of cross-cultural transference, where a film with Indian directors was shot in Melbourne. “Trams are an integral part of the story, and a beautiful connection between Melbourne and Kolkata,” she said.
All eyes were on Imtiaz, as he appeared right at home beside the driver of the tram, recounting his encounters with the vehicle. “Growing up in Jamshedpur, Kolkata was the first metro city I looked up to. Along with Kwality, Flurys and the Grand Hotel, I have always held wonder in my heart for the tram. To this day, the sound of it running through the streets makes me nostalgic. And to top it off, trams are environmentally-friendly too,” said the Highway director.
He also gushed about his love for the city, which keeps beckoning him frequently. “Kolkata is the most artistic city, with filmmakers, idol makers and flower decorators in every corner. To top it off, people here have access to the best food!”
The tram is a particularly significant motif in Imtiaz’s anthology, which deals with an Indian-origin girl who gets married in Australia, and struggles with the sense of displacement. Having left home behind, the film beautifully explores how she forges a new one in Melbourne. “Featuring My Melbourne at KIFF is a dream come true, and bringing the film to the city on a tram feels like coming full circle,” he beamed.