Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s5.t2.16

v2.c11.s5.t2.16

In 1990s, commercial films still had a dominant position, but fine art films and outstanding directors kept on emerging. Indian films have diversified themes and styles. Many commercial films unfolded themselves along dramatic social events or terrorist tales, but some art films were quite elegant or displayed a kind of righteousness. Serious art films with a focus on social issues in Indian society were well received in India as well as film festivals across the world. *Salaam Bombay!* (1988), directed by the talented and renowned female director Mira Nair, reveals the hard life of children living in slums in Bombay and expresses a deep sympathy with lower classes. Its pictures are splendid, fascinating and touching, and the film made a great success in India and in western countries. It received the Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Her most famous film is *Monsoon Wedding* (2000), which depicts a chaotic and yet funny wedding of Punjabis and was granted the Venice' Golden Lion award in the following year.