Sep 20, 2013: Shubhashish Bhutiani's short film Kush was awarded The Best Film at the 70th Venice International Film Festival 2013. Incidentally, it was the only Indian film competing at the fest.
Kush is inspired by a true story, which took place during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. A school teacher and her class of 10-year-old students, who are returning from a field trip, get caught in the violence. The film revolves around their attempt to save Kush, the only Sikh student in the batch.
Bhutiani was so inspired by the story that he made it for his graduation project at New York's School of Visual Arts.
Other Indian Winners in Venice
Film: Aparajito; Director: Sajyajit Ray; Year of winning: 1957
Film: Jaldeep; Director: Kedar Sharma; Year of winning: 1957
Film: Pratidwandi; Director: Satyajit Ray; Year of winning: 1971
Film: Chalchitra; Director: Mrinal Sen; Year of winning: 1981