Roger’s Masala!Mehndi!Masti! (M!M!M!) is back again with a bang for its eighth explosive year! The largest free South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival outside of South Asia!
This year promises to be bigger and better, as the festival showcases the best in contemporary, traditional and fusion South Asian culture by local and international artists.
A multitude of events in film, music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts, and more are joined by provocative panels and succulent South Asian dishes!
This year’s highlights:
MMMovies! – A Nandita Das Retrospective: July 25,26,27 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. MMMovies! will present a retrospective of critically acclaimed actress and social activist, Ms. Nandita Das, who shot to international fame for her controversial role in director Deepa Mehta’s movie “Fire”. Her work in several other movies like “Maati Maay”, “Amar Bhuvan” and “Bawandar” has won her many awards for Best Actress. She also served as member of the jury at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2005 and was most recently awarded the highly coveted French award “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”, the most prestigious recognition given by the Government of France, to those making a difference in the arts. Ms. Das will be in attendance at the screenings for all three days and will also discuss her work and role as a social activist at a ‘Master Class’.
Rishi Mehta’s award winning movie “Amal”, starring venerable actor Naseeruddin Shah and Rupinder Nagra will also be screened. “Amal” tells the story of a humble rickshawallah in Delhi and is a commentary on the twists of fate.
Karsh Kale, Vishal Vaid and MIDIval PunditZ: . New York based producer Karsh Kale and New Delhi based electronica group The Midival Punditz pioneered a sound synonymous with the sublime blurring of boundaries between classical Indian, electronica and rock. They coined the name “Asian Massive” to describe this genre. Five years and four albums later, this all-star lineup returns with a fierce live set that will include new material and featured guest musician and ghazal vocalist, Vishal Vaid.
An Excerpt from Anita Majumdar’s play-The Misfit. For theatre lovers, M!M!M! has invited this award winning actress of the CBC film Murder Unveiled and the play Bombay Black, to delight audiences with her theatrical prowess and a special Q&A session.
Mission:on Mars. For a different sound beat this New York City-based performing ensemble and music collective mixes live breakbeat rhythms, Indian classical sitar melodies, space-jazz guitar, and Middle Eastern drones. A real musical treat!
Fashion Faatina: A ‘celebrasian’ of the hottest trends in ‘fusian’ fashion. Asian Woman, UK’s premier fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine will celebrate its Canadian launch by dazzling Toronto with a resplendent and feisty fashion show, the like never seen before, with models sashaying down the ramp in the latest vogue, ranging from the shabby chic to the tres chic, all with a Bollywood theme.
**NEW** The MMM Baccha Party {Children’s Party): In a serious effort to hone young talent and give artists of the next generation a platform to perform, MMM will introduce this segment for the first time, featuring a variety show of performances by artists under the age of 16. Contact aamer@masalamehndimasti.com to perform .
M!M!M! Desilit Writer’s Café presented by NOW magazine: Following last year’s super successful introduction of this programming component, it will feature poets, authors and readings ranging from the serious to the fun.
MMM Artist’s Walkway: Returns to present visual artists and their works – on display and for sale. This super treat promises to showcase material to rival Mumbai’s Maqboolbhai’s (M.F.Hussain) chef d’oeuvres!
Dandia Dhamaka presented by the Heart and Stroke Foundation: This super crowd pleaser moves to the mainstage with space provided for revelers in front of the stage. Everyone is invited to join in and celebrate Gujarat’s biggest cultural export.
Bhangra Blast presented by Canadian Cancer Society: The beat of the dhol and energetic dancers will definitely charge your spirits and make you want to join in!
Grand finale- World’s Largest Dance Class – a record breaking event: Resident instructors of India’s ace choreographer, Shiamak Davar, will hold the mother of all dance classes by teaching the attending confluence of people how to move and groove à la Bollywood! All are invited and encouraged to join for FREE!
The Meena Bazaar, Wedding Vendors Showcase and Community Lane: A myriad of kiosks offering apparel, jewelry, handbags, mehndi (henna) and much more will also be on site to satisfy any shopaholics’ impulses. Vendors specializing in wedding services will also be on hand as will various community and health outreach organizations.
Food Stalls: What South Asian festival can be complete without culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds? An amazing array of food and sweets for the public to delve their teeth into and hit nirvana!
Over 70 performances and presentations are programmed. A complete schedule will be released shortly. Please visit our website www.masalamehndimasti.com for updates.
Adding to all the performances we also have several acts inviting the audience to participate.
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Starts: Jul 25, 2008
Ends: Jul 27, 2008
At: Canadian National Exhibition, National Trade Centre, Press Room, 210 Prince's Blvd, Toronto Playing: Sunday Saturday Friday
Times: Fri 6 pm - Sun 7 pm Cost: Free
Getting there:
For more information contact:
Masala! Mehndi! Masti! 2008 Festival Phone:
416-MMM-9494 Email:
info@masalamehndimasti.com
