ON an otherwise unremarkable day in India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel became the target of a deadly attack by Pakistani militants.
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Dozens of people were held hostage as fire raced through the building in Mumbai in 2008.
Now, the horrific story is being retold by an Australian director - and its on its way to Tamworth.
Hotel Mumbai is just one film in a list of greats on the Travelling Film Festival Circuit, organised by Sanam Rodrigues.
"Film and cinema is an important means of connecting people," she said.
"We treat each town as its own festival and so first of all we talk a lot to the audiences.
"We like to challenge audiences, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t."
Tamworth's festival will open with Hotel Mumbai, created by award-winning Australian director Anthony Maras' and featuring Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel from Lion and Slumdog Millionaire.
We like to challenge audiences, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
- Sanam Rodrigues
It will close with winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes last year, Nadine Labaki's Capharnaum. The funny and moving feature gives insight into one of the poorest slums in Lebanon through the eyes of a child.
Favourites from the Sydney Film Festival, Woman at War, Three Identical Strangers, Cold War, The Guilty, Shoplifters, Happy As Lazzarro and At Eternity's Gate will also be on the big screen.
The festival has weaved its way to Tamworth for some time now, Ms Rodrigues said.
"People come back and they just love the films," she said.
"Some of them are moved so much they ask how they can contribute.
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"We have a film called Woman At War, it's about an eco-warrior and its just taken the festival circuit by storm, it makes people want to do more about the environment so it does have an impact."
It's Australia's longest running travelling film festival, started by David Stratton in 1974 it tours 18 regional locations year-round.
And, audiences can choose their own adventure, whether to hand pick just a couple of movies or load up on popcorn and see them all.
The festival opens March 22 with Hotel Mumbai, before its released in the state.
Tickets are available online at sff.org.au, the festival is at Forum 6 Cinemas.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
