Vande Mātaram

A Dance Tribute

A Film by Swapna Maini
Music by Sai Ganesh Nagpal

‘Vande Mātaram: A Dance Tribute’ is a musical short film that explores the beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by young dancers aged 9 to 16 years. Shot in the ancient palaces of Rajasthan and thousand-year-old temples of Khajuraho in India, the film is set to a riveting new rendition of ‘Vande Mātaram’ – India’s national song. The Sanskrit lyrics of the song are given form through the symbolism in the dances, making this piece a delightfully poetic tribute to the motherland through music, dance and visual aesthetics.

‘Vande Mātaram: A Dance Tribute’ is proud to be an ‘official selection’ and ‘opening film’
at prestigious film festivals in India and overseas:

WINNER! “Best Patriotic Musical”, HIFF 2019

“Swapna Maini and Sai Ganesh Nagpal have put their hearts into returning this revered Sanskrit poem to where it belongs. To this land of many histories and geographies. It is a beautiful tribute to a timeless piece of art. For Swapna and Sai, working on this project was a journey back to Bhakti. For the students, it was a chance to embrace their traditions. Thanks to their devotion and determination, Vande Mataram has been restored to the spirit of the land.”

Please click here to read the full review Times of India

The film is thoroughly enjoyable!

Children's BBC, UK

“What constantly strikes me as well is the sheer intricacy of each and every movement presented in the dances, more so knowing that it all has specific meaning as the performers interpret what they are hearing through the music and words. Plus, there’s the entrancing fluidity of the music as well that promotes said dances to equal the same measure of flow and precision.”

Please click here to read the full review

Kirk Fernwood

Film Critic, OmFilmFan.com

Official Selection - Singapore South Asian International Film Festival - SgSAIFF 2019

Official Selection at the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival – SgSAIFF 2019.

Closing Film - Dallas Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival - DFWSAFF 2019

Closing film at the Dallas Forth Worth South Asian Film Festival – DFWSAFF 2019.

Official Selection - New York Indian Film Festival, NYIFF 2019

Official selection at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival 2019 organised by the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) New York.

Official Selection - Chalachitram National Film Festival, CNFF 2019

Awarded Certificate of Merit at CNFF 2019 in Guwahati, India.

Official Selection - Diorama International Film Festival, New Delhi 2019

The film was screened at the Diorama International Film Festival 2019 in New Delhi, India.The young dancers of our film walked the red carpet and spoke about their most interesting experiences while shooting!

WINNER: Best Patriotic Musical, HIFF 2019

The film was awarded “Best Patriotic Musical/Best Patriotic Song” at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Haryana International Film Festival 2019.

Opening Film - Haryana International Film Festival (HIFF 2019)

The film was selected and screened as the opening film at HIFF 2019 in Hisar, India.

Opening Film - Khajuraho International Film Festival (KHIFF 2018)

The film was selected and screened as the opening film at KHIFF 2018 in Khajuraho, India. The film received a standing ovation from the audience, as well as rave reviews from acclaimed members of the Indian cinema world.

Screening at the Media and Communications Dept., Maharishi University of Management, USA (October 2018)

The film was screened for students of the undergraduate film program at the Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, USA.

Opening Night Film - Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF September 2018)

The film was selected and screened as the ‘opening night film’ at the prestigious Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2018.

Screening in Chicago, USA, May 2018

The film was screened at a private gathering in Chicago, USA.

Screening in St. Louis MO, USA, April 2018

The film was screened at a private gathering in St.Louis.

Screening for members of IC Center for Governance New Delhi, January 2018

The film was screened for senior members of the IC Center for Governance, New Delhi, India.

Screening at Amity International School, New Delhi January 2018

A presentation of traditional songs, and an interactive lecture demonstration that introduced children to the intricacies of Indian classical dance as depicted in the film – ‘Vande Mātaram: A Dance Tribute’ . This was followed by a screening of the film for students of the school.

Premiere in New Delhi, November 2017

The film was premiered for an audience of students, artists and professionals in New Delhi, India.