Filmmaker Utpal Kalal’s documentary The 14th February & Beyond will make history at San Diego Comic-Con. The film will be premiered at SDCC’s special film program Comic-Con Independent Film Festival on July 21, the first time an Indian film has been showcased at Comic-Con’s official festival program. It has been selected for the main competition alongside 49 movies from seven different pop culture genres, including Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics-Oriented, Documentary (Pop Culture-Oriented), Horror/Suspense, Humor, and Science Fiction/Fantasy.
The 14th February & Beyond is described as the “first-ever and most up-close look into Valentine’s Day,” detailing how the history of the romantic holiday and how it continues to affect society in the modern day. You can read a synopsis for the movie below.
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The 14th February & Beyond also features appearances of eminent intellectuals like Dr. Sudhir Bhave (Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute), Prof. Laurie Essig (Middlebury College), President Bill Clinton (Archival), Vjay Phanshikar (Senior Journalist) Nityananda Misra (Finance Professional; Author), Namita Singh (Activist, Boston, USA), Shilpa Agrawal (Psychologist), and Rajiv Malhotra (Indian American Author).
The film exposes the strange face of this global love fest; how it’s been twisted as a result of consumerism and capitalism, and its impact on the mental health of our society. The film also reveals the shocking facts about the commercialization of Valentine’s Day – the spending and traditions that have been overlooked. The film brings a full view of the subject through various experts in this eye-opening narrative and shows how this over-hyped day is now a catalyst for negative behaviors, fueled by consumerism.
The 14th February & Beyond Gives a Strong Message
Utpal Kalal
Director/producer Utpal Kalal hopes viewers learn something from the message that’s sent out by The 14th February & Beyond, and he spoke out in a statement about the film’s acceptance at Comic-Con this year.
‘’I’m so delighted and proud that for the first time an Indian documentary film is going to be played at the Comic-Con as part of their film festival," Kalal said. “The film gives a strong message, don’t be easy prey for corporates and propagandists who manipulate human behavior for profit and I really hope that we win best film award too.’’
This film has achieved several awards nationally and internationally and has been premiered in more than 14 countries. Its previous awards include the Indian Panorama selection of the International Film Festival of India by Govt of India, Youth Vision Award Nomination at the Millenium International Documentary Film Festival, Belgium, and Best Documentary award at the Riverside International Film Festival, California.
With Comic-Con, the film is in competition with 49 other films from various countries, including Canada, Germany, Greece, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, and the United States. It will be screened on Thursday, July 21, at the Comic-Con International, San Diego Marriot Marquis. The screening will be followed by a panel with the film’s director and cast. You can find out more information about San Diego Comic-Con by visiting the official website.
