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CycleMahesh film image; a person and a bicycle in a field on fire

CycleMahesh

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Canadian Premiere

The hybrid documentary CycleMahesh explores one of India’s most significant yet often overlooked social issues: migration. When a nationwide lockdown is imposed across India during the COVID-19 pandemic — shutting down all forms of transportation — 22-year-old migrant labourer Mahesh decides to cycle 1,700 kilometres to return home. Through sheer determination, he completes the arduous journey in seven days, spurring widespread media attention — as well as a trail of empty promises from those following along.

Director Suhel Banerjee blends documentary realism with a fictional reconstruction of Mahesh’s journey, crafting a poignant film that examines the personal toll of systemic neglect, the illusion of celebrity, and the capacity of the human spirit to endure. Banerjee’s multi-layered narrative stands out not just for its compelling story but also for its unique structure, creative editing, and use of sound and music to deliver a profound experience. Banerjee’s experimental and rewarding documentary feature debut had its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, where it won Best First Feature.

 

Best First Feature, IDFA 2024

 

Presented by

Media Partner

Community Partner

Avishkar Arts logo           

Director

Suhel Banerjee

Featuring

Mahesh Jena, Mamta Pared, Muktak Kanjilal, Rajan Vaidya, Nitin Gupta, Kailash Kumar

Credits
Country of Origin

India

Year

2024

Language

In Hindi, Marathi and Odia with English subtitles

Film Contact
Links
18+
61 min
Award Winners Cinemas of Asia Documentary Experimental & Avant Garde Human Rights & Social Justice

Book Tickets

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Credits

Producer

Teesta Setalvad

Screenwriter

Gurleen Judge, Suhel Banerjee

Cinematography

Prateek Pamecha

Editor

Suhel Banerjee

Original Music

Vishesh Kalimero, Rahul Jigyasu

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