Red Lorry Film Festival: Initiative to raise funds for junior artistes

The highlyanticipated Red Lorry Film Festival curated by BookMyShow returns for its second edition on March 21 March 23Brought to audiences by BookAChange by BookMyShow Foundation this yearrsquos festival isnrsquot just about worldclass cinema it also aims to be about making a tangible differenceIt starts with the initiative by BookAChange that has launched lsquoBe a Lilrsquo Extrarsquo an initiative to raise funds through the 2025 edition of the festival to provide health insurance to over 500 junior artistes from the Indian film industry The group health insurance coverage is Rs 100000 per person from a leading digitalfirst directtoconsumer insurance companyRecognising their invaluable contributions it has partnered with the Producers Guild of India to identify and reach these deserving beneficiariesFurther bringing the cause to life BookAChange will introduce an interactive jigsaw puzzlethemed installation at Jio World Plaza in Mumbais Bandra Kurla Complex Audiences will be invited to interact with the installation add the missing pieces and complete the puzzle symbolising the collective effort needed to uplift the junior artiste community Through this experience visitors will be encouraged to donate towards the cause reinforcing the festivalrsquos vision of using cinema as a tool for positive changeFarzana Cama Balpande head BookAChange said BookAChange believes in using the arts to uplift and empower communities and lsquoBe a Lilrsquo Extrarsquo is a natural extension of that vision Junior artistes are the unsung heroes of our films shaping the cinematic magic we love Through this initiative we are taking a step towards ensuring their wellbeing so they can continue bringing stories to life with the dignity and security they deserverdquoBookAChange jumpstarts the morning of Red Lorry Film Festival with a special screening of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar for over 130 young beneficiaries to experience the magic of cinema on the big screen The beneficiaries aged between 1840 years come from marginalised backgrounds including orphans semiorphans as well as waste recyclers and their families lsquoJo Jeeta Wohi Sikandarrsquo is a beloved cult classic that goes beyond entertainment as the film carries powerful lessons on resilience ambition and personal growth values that deeply resonate with these young beneficiaries For many of them this marks their first experience of watching a film in a premium cinema hall offering an immersive aspirational and holistic learning experience that aligns with BookAChangersquos mission of leveraging performing arts to inspire and empowerAshish Saksena festival director Red Lorry Film Festival and COO Cinemas BookMyShow said Red Lorry Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema it is a platform where storytelling meets purpose As we bring incredible films to Indian audiences we are also championing the cause of junior artistes with BookAChange who are integral to the industry but often remain in the shadows This festival is a tribute to them ensuring that while we enjoy cinema we also contribute to the wellbeing of those who make it possiblerdquoAs Red Lorry Film Festival gets underway this weekend the festival opens with Tim Fehlbaumrsquos gripping drama lsquoSeptember 5rsquo from Paramount Pictures a film nominated for lsquoBest Original Screenplayrsquo at this yearrsquos Academy Awards The festival will also showcase a mix of awardwinning contemporary films such as lsquoAnorarsquo and lsquoThe Last Showgirlrsquo alongside timeless classics like lsquoPretty Womanrsquo lsquoKarzrsquo and lsquoQayamat Se Qayamat TakrsquoWith over 120 films spanning genres languages and cultures the festival is curating a diverse and thoughtprovoking cinematic experience for Indian audiences While it happens in Mumbai it will also be taking place in Hyderabad