Mumbai: Actress-animator-filmmaker Gitanjali Rao's latest animation feature Bombay Rose will open the Critics' Week at the upcoming Venice International Film Festival on August 29. The film tells the story of a flower seller who has to make a choice between protecting her family and falling in love.  Talking about the film and its world premiere, Gitanjali said: "I have always wanted to paint stories about people who live and love in the streets of Bombay, never become success stories, and yet their struggle for survival makes them heroes. ‘Namdev Bhau: In Search of Silence’ Gets Official Selection for the Prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

She adds "This is a city of unsung heroes and heroines and I wanted to share (their stories) with the world. So, I started this labour of love six years ago. My handpainted short films have travelled the globe and my films have found a connection in the most unusual places, from Cannes to Kanpur. These fans of my stories give me confidence. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Gets a Special Screening at the 10th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

"My first feature film, Bombay Rose, about simple people with simple yet impossible dreams, can connect with people around the world. I am thrilled that Bombay Rose will be the first Indian animation film to open Venice Critics' Week," she added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2019 07:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).