Editor

AMAL (Canada/2007/101min/35mm ) from Richie Mehta, produced by David Miller, Steven N. Bray and starring Rupinder Nagra, Koel Purie, Naseeruddin Shah, Roshan Seth, Seema Biswas

G.K. Jayaram, an eccentric tycoon disguised as a vagabond, searches for hope in humanity that he has yet to find among his shiftless sons and deceitful business associates. In the streets of New Delhi, he comes across a humble autorickshaw driver, Amal - a man perfectly content with his simple life. One fateful ride demonstrates Amal's unflappable integrity leading Jayaram to bequeath his fortune to the anonymous public servant. Upon his death, lawyer, Ms. Awarwal is charged with locating Amal lest the fortune be forfeited to Jayaram's undeserving sons. Meanwhile, an unsuspecting Amal struggles to find funds for an injured street urchin's medical treatment and inadvertently stumbles upon the prospect of love with one of his regular passengers.

Richie Mehta's award winning feature directorial debut is based on his 2005 IFFLA Grand Jury Prize winning short film, AMAL. Adapted from a short story by Shaun Mehta, this charming fable examines the true nature of happiness in a society obsessed with speed, technology and monetary wealth. In AMAL, Mehta introduces the rarest of heroes, one whose spirit will undoubtedly leave an indelible impact.
Director Richie Mehta who will attend the Opening Gala along with Rupinder Nagra and other cast members said, "I've shown my last three films at IFFLA and I consider it an annual duty to attend the festival because of its programming and amazing vibe. To open the festival with AMAL is a great honor, to even show at IFFLA is always an honor."