Cinestaan’s Debut Documentary ‘The Torch’ To Premiere At Prestigious 55th Chicago International Film Festival 2019 As Its Closing Film

Jyothi Venkatesh

Cinestaan Film Company’s much-anticipated co-production with IFC Films, ‘The Torch’ - the debut documentary film by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Jim Farrell on eight-time Grammy® winner Buddy Guy will have its World Premiere at prestigious 55th Chicago International Film Festival 2019 as its Closing film. The 55th Chicago International film festival will run from October 16-27, 2019. Produced by Anand Mahindra, Rohit Khattar, Jim Farrell and Amy Briamonte, The Torch is a 50-50 co-production between Cinestaan Film Company and IFC. Mahindra Blues Festival is co-presenting the film. This unique collaboration between Cinestaan Film Company and IFC Films has been in production for four years.The film is not only a testament to Buddy Guy’s legendary talent and his rise to fame from humble beginnings, but also his quest to not let the blues die by handing on The Torch, to his protégé Quinn Sullivan who first appeared on stage with him at age six. This stirring documentary, amplified by electrifying musical performances, charts the guidance Guy himself received from the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf while observing the Grammy® winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee passing his wisdom to the next generation. Says Producer, Anand Mahindra,“The Torch was one of the very first films commissioned by Cinestaan Film Company and as such carries a special place in my heart. It is particularly special because we made the decision to back this film after seeing Buddy introduce and perform with Quinn live at the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai. I am so grateful to Jim Farrell, Amy Briamonte and the teams at Cinestaan and IFC who have worked tirelessly to create this wonderful testament to an Icon and his legacy.” Says Director, Jim Farrell, “I couldn’t have asked for better partners on this project than Cinestaan and IFC. Their dedication over the life of this project went far beyond what I could have imagined. Buddy’s relentless crusade to keep Blues music alive for future generations needs to be shared with the world, and I can’t think of a better place to premiere this film than the 55th Chicago International Film Festival 2019.”

Arianna Bocco, EVP of Acquisitions and Productions of IFC Films said,“The spirit of this film is the importance of legacy. The act of passing on knowledge, experience, and opportunity is what fuels the artistic community. In the instance of The Torch, it’s about a musical legacy and homespun tradition being carried on through younger generations, which as an ethos, IFC cares about deeply. We’re thrilled to have been on board with this film from the early stages, and Cinestaan has been incredible partners throughout the process.”Cinestaan Film Company, who were the Executive Producers of Cold War (nominated for 3 Academy Awards including ‘Best Foreign Film’) will have two films at the festival. Along with ‘The Torch’, it’s other production ‘Bombay Rose’ will continue its international festival tour and have its US Premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival where it will participate in the New Directors Competition. Bombay Rose had its World Premiere at Venice International Film Festival followed by its North American premiere at TIFF earlier this month.

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Tags: Bollywood, Bollywood News, Bollywood Updates, Television, Telly News, Chicago International Film Festival 2019