Vikalp@Prithvi

Discover thought-provoking non-fiction cinema at the next edition of "Vikalp@Prithvi," an inspiring independent film screening hosted at Prithvi House in Juhu, Mumbai. Taking place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM, this highly engaging 1.5-hour event showcases the documentary To Die A Frenchman, a moving cinematic piece focusing on unhealed colonial wounds and fractured identities. Presented across a bilingual mix of English and Hindi, the event is completely free to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and concludes with an interactive Q&A session with director Pankaj Rishi Kumar.

Immerse yourself in a moving exploration of post-colonial history and identity with the latest instalment of the "Vikalp@Prithvi" film series, screening live at Prithvi House in Juhu, Mumbai. Scheduled for Friday evening, August 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM, this 1-hour-and-30-minute cultural gathering stems from a long-standing "Films for Freedom" collaboration established between Prithvi Theatre and the Vikalp collective in February 2007. Dedicated to providing a platform for independent documentaries that reflect today's complex social realities, admission to the venue is entirely free of charge and operates strictly on a first-come, first-served seating basis.

The featured program highlights a screening of the evocative independent documentary 'To Die A Frenchman', presented beautifully across a fluid mix of English and Hindi dialogue tracks tailored for mature viewers aged 8 and older. Set within the crumbling, dusty alleyways of the Ville Noir neighbourhood in Pondicherry, the film explores the lingering ghosts of a faded empire through the life of seventy-year-old Monsieur Mounissamy. Acting as a living relic of a bygone era, Mounissamy spends every July 14th (French National Day) unfurling the French tricolour and singing the national anthem in a trembling voice, fiercely clinging to the dream of a "Mother France" that might still reclaim him. Fighting stubbornly for French citizenship alongside a microscopic plot of Indian land, his sudden and unexpected passing leaves behind a quiet, haunting rebellion that sheds light on those left stranded in the deep shadows of imperial history.

To elevate the experience beyond a passive cinematic viewing, the screening culminates in an open, live post-film Q&A session with director Pankaj Rishi Kumar. This interactive segment allows local film students, documentary enthusiasts, and neighbourhood viewers to engage directly with the director to unpack the themes of the project. It stands out as an exceptional, pocket-friendly weekend option for anyone looking to experience grassroots, impactful independent cinema in the heart of Mumbai’s western suburbs.