Cinestaan collaborates with Film London for ‘The Hungry’ to mark Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary

‘The Hungry’, which is a contemporary retelling of Shakespearian tragedy ‘Titus Andronicus’, is set in the extravagant surroundings of an Indian wedding whilst exploring the role of the patriarch and corruption in Indian politics and big business.

The film has brought together the filmmaking talent from both the countries and is is written and directed by Bornila Chatterjee (writer-director, Let’s Be Out, The Sun Is Shining), co-written and produced by Tanaji Dasgupta and Kurban Kassam (line producer, 20,000 Days on Earth).

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sir Kenneth Branagh as our patron for our Shakespeare on Screen project, since his work as a writer, director and actor has helped capture the imagination of untold thousands. As part of that work, we are incredibly excited to be announcing The Hungry as our first international co-production. Working with international talent and with our partners Cinestaan Film Company, we will show the tremendous reach of Shakespeare’s influence and the ability his work has to inspire new features which are global in outlook.”

Rohit Khattar, Chairman of Cinestaan Film Company, said, “In the 400th year of Shakespeare, Cinestaan Film Company is excited about presenting The Hungry, a novel, modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’. Through this unique creative collaboration with Film London and with Sir Kenneth as the patron, CFC is really happy to provide a platform for a new independent, original voice in Indian cinema.”

Kenneth Branagh, Shakespeare on Screen patron, said: “Much of my work has involved bringing Shakespeare to the stage and the screen, so I’m looking forward to working with Film London as their patron for Shakespeare on Screen. This celebrates the fascinating, ever-evolving relationship between Shakespeare’s work and film. Storytellers at every stage of their careers continue to draw from the playwright’s work, so it is fitting that this project – through an ambitious series of brand new commissions – showcases emerging and established talent alike. It is a pleasure to be involved with a project which aims to bring his work to countless new audiences, inspiring as many people as possible along the way.”

Shakespeare onscreen will hinge upon a suite of exciting new productions celebrating Shakespeare’s life, legacy and enduring global appeal which will include a feature film, two short films, three artists’ animations and a BBC Arena documentary examining Shakespeare’s screen legacy.