RIP Dr. Aruna Vasudev

Dr. Aruna Vasudev, often called the Godmother of Asian Cinema, was a filmmaker, festival director, academic, and journalist. She established Cinemaya, a journal on Asian Cinema, and was the Founder/Festival Director of  Cinefan, a festival of Asian and Arab cinema, in New Delhi. Her foresight and vision to pay close attention to Asian films and bring them to a larger viewing public was shape-shifting. Aruna also established NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) which currently has almost 150 members across the globe, and has instituted awards in over 30 film festivals for young filmmakers. 

Aruna was a former board member of IAWRT Chapter India. At a time when women were hardly present in cinema, she was a force to reckon with. She was a loving friend, guide and mentor to people in the film community and beyond. She will be deeply missed.

HONOURS AND AWARDS:

2019 – She was honoured by the French Government as Officier des Arts et des Lettres. She appointed Cavaliere della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana in 2004, the highest accolades from two major film-producing countries, Italy and France.

2015 –  She was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Colombo for her contributions towards putting Asian cinema on the international map. Aruna received the Vision in Film Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival the same year.

2006 –  She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cinemanila International Film Festival.

1997 –  She won the Korean Cinema Award at the Pusan International Film Festival.