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
Suhel Banerjee
Mahesh Jena, Mamta Pared, Muktak Kanjilal, Rajan Vaidya, Nitin Gupta, Kailash Kumar
India
2024
In Hindi, Marathi and Odia with English subtitles
Book Tickets
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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