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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Davidson Film Club to Screen Acclaimed Indian Film, “Hotel Salvation”

by | Aug 16, 2018 | Arts & Entertainment, Davidson Film Club

The Davidson Film Club is screening the critically acclaimed Indian Film, “Hotel Salvation,” on Saturday, August 25, at the Armour Street Theatre at 7:00 p.m.

“Hotel Salvation is a bittersweet meditation on life, death, and salvation,” wrote Lucy Popescu, of CineVue

And on Rotten Tomatoes, the Tomatometer: 100%!

Directed by Shubhashish Bhutiani in 2016, it runs one hour and 46 minutes. It is in Hindu, with English subtitles. The film will be presented, and discussion led, by Indian cultural historian, Job Thomas, Davidson College Professor of Art Emeritus.

Film Summary:

An ominous dream convinces 77-year-old Dayanand Kumar that his end could be near. He takes the news to his son Rajiv, knowing he wants to breathe his last in the holy city of Varanasi (Bénarès) and end the cycle of rebirth by attaining salvation. Being the dutiful son that he is, Rajiv, is left with no choice but to drop everything and make the journey with his stubborn father. Daya and Rajiv check into Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) in Varanasi, a guesthouse devoted to people who wish to die there. But as the days go by, Rajiv struggles to juggle his responsibilities back home, while Daya starts to bloom in the hotel. Rajiv gives his father a shot at salvation, but as family bonds are tested, he finds himself torn, not knowing what he must do to keep his life together.

“If artistic treatments of death are often powered by sadness and grief, this film takes the opposite tack. It saturates the screen with India’s bright and vivid colors. The expressions of human warmth make it an ode to life.” Juliette Cottu, Little White Lies

“This beautifully rendered Indian arthouse film, the debut of young director Shubhashish Bhutiani, enacts a subtle family comedy-drama that anyone who has spent time with an aging parent could relate to easily.” Leslie Felperin, Guardian

“A dextrous Indian drama set in a hostel for the dying on the banks of the Ganges, replete with wry humour, cheeky visual gags and an obsession with the paradox of celebrating life on the edge of death.” Kevin Maher, Times (UK)

“Hotel Salvation is a film of great tenderness, one that relishes the details of physical reality, even while acknowledging that leaving all behind is the most natural, even essential thing of all.” Tom Birchenough, The Arts Desk

If you are not a Davidson Film Club member, walk-ins are $9 (NC Sales tax included) are always welcome, cash or check. Walk-in students are $7.

Reservations may be made in advance at [email protected], with payment at the door—or just walk in!

The Davidson Film Club website features the whole current series and film descriptions. Have you Bookmarked it?

DFC is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization run by volunteers that only exists to bring fine international fiction films and engage in stimulating discussion about them.

For more information, you can contact Alan Singerman, President, Davidson Film Club, at [email protected] or at (704) 892-5264.

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