The films 8 and Rango Bibaaho (Marriages by Design) by independent filmmaker Amitabha Chaterji have been officially chosen for competition at the 14th Indo-German Film Week 2026, which will take place in Berlin, Germany, from July 4–13, 2026.

The dual competition selection underscores the increasing prominence of independent Indian cinema on international platforms and represents a noteworthy international recognition for Chaterji’s work.

One of Chaterji’s most intimate pieces is 8, an experimental story that examines love, loneliness, memory, and the passing of time. The film, which starred Jagannath Chakraborty and Suraiya Parvin, was recently shown in the Bengali Panorama Competition section of the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival and was well received by viewers.

The satirical social drama Rango Bibaaho (Marriages by Design) uses a clever film-within-a-film structure to explore marriage, bureaucracy, and modern social realities. Produced by PeakRose Films, the movie features Jagannath Chakraborty, Partha Sarathi Chandra, Amrita Mukhopadhyay, and Deshaa Nandii. International industry professionals and festival representatives expressed interest in the project when it was presented at the Marché du Film, Cannes Film Festival 2026. The film examines how private lives become entwined with institutions, systems, and public narratives by fusing humor with incisive social commentary.

The fact that both films were chosen for the competition shows how independent Bengali cinema continues to contribute to global cinema culture.

Speaking about the selections, Amitabha Chaterji said, “Having two films selected in competition at the same international festival is both an honour and an encouragement. Rango Bibaaho (Marriages by Design) uses satire to address current social realities, while 8 is intensely personal and reflective. When taken as a whole, they depict two distinct cinematic journeys brought together by a shared desire to examine the human condition. I am appreciative of Indo-German Film Week for offering a forum that honors cultural exchange and artistic diversity”.

Through screenings and conversations, the Indo-German Film Week brings together filmmakers, artists, academics, and viewers to foster cultural exchange between Germany and India.

Priyanka Dutta