Last Film Show

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1:54

Last Film Show

Released Dec 2, 2022

1h 50m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

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37 Reviews

84%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India discovers films for the first time and is absolutely mesmerized. Against his father's wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day to watch more films, and even befriends the projectionist, who, in exchange for his lunch box, lets him watch movies for free. He quickly figures out that stories become light, light becomes films, and films become dreams. Samay and his wild gang of friends move heaven and earth to catch and project light to achieve a 35mm film projection. Together, they use an innovative hack and jubilantly succeed in making a film projection apparatus. But following your dreams often means leaving things behind.

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Critics Consensus

A love letter from a cinephile to all cinephiles, The Last Film Show pays unabashed homage to life, light, and the almost extinct 35mm experience.

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David Stratton

The Australian

For those who love cinema this beautifully photographed and very well acted film will be a joy.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 8, 2023

Full Review

Namrata Joshi

Screen International

Cannily mixes the nostalgic celebration of movies like Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso with the feel-good underdog trope of innumerable films best highlighted by Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire.

Dec 23, 2022

Full Review

Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

Bursting with life.

Dec 9, 2022

Full Review

Joshua Polanski

Boston Hassle

India’s entry at this year’s Academy Award for Best International Film, Chhello Show, or Last Film Show, is one of my favorite films of the year.

Jul 10, 2024

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Bhuvanesh Chandar

The Hindu

India’s entry to the Oscars is filmmaker Pan Nalin’s love letter to cinema, which earnestly captures the evolution of the art form and the magic of dreams.

Nov 17, 2023

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David Griffiths

Subculture Entertainment

A remarkable film which made me cry a number of times as I remembered back to when I fell in love with cinema. A true masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 19, 2023

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Laurie F

Charming, moving and beautifully shot. A wonderful performance from the young lead. It's a rather simple linear tale, overtly emotional but so full of heart that it's impossible not to love it. See it on a big screen, It deserves it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/19/23

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Ron A

Truly engaging, masterful cinema, and authentic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/16/23

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Peter W

Overall, this is a terrific drama with many uplifting and touching moments. It's impossible not to be delighted while watching this young boy's introduction to the magical world of cinema and the birth of his desire to make films. I love the writing for this film, which includes dialogue that feels real and natural. The leading performance from Bhavin Rabari as Samay is also tremendous. Visually, this film can't be faulted, nor can its Indian locations and smooth filming style. As the credits roll, it's impossible to deny that Last Film Show is a touching, memorable experience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/02/23

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isla s

This film reminded me both of Slumdog Millionaire and Cinema Paradiso - its a bit like an Indian Cinema Paradiso I suppose. I liked the fascination with colours and I thought the young child playing the main character (Samay, played by Bhavin Rabari) did a very good job. I would certainly recommend this film, yes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

A very sweet, touching and tender film, which is a declaration of love for cinema! A mixture of children's adventures, stories about fathers and children and the movie "Minari"! I recommend it to everyone!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

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Pan Nalin

Director

Richa Meena

Actor

Rahul Koli

Manu

Bhavin Rabari

Samay

Kishan Parmar

S.T.

Tia Sebastian

Leela Mila

Salaam Venky

25%

77%

Salaam Venky

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The World After Us

100%

38%

The World After Us

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Narudi Brathuku Natana

%

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Narudi Brathuku Natana

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I Am Sorry

%

%

I Am Sorry

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Last Film Show: Trailer 1

1:54

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Synopsis

Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India discovers films for the first time and is absolutely mesmerized. Against his father's wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day to watch more films, and even befriends the projectionist, who, in exchange for his lunch box, lets him watch movies for free. He quickly figures out that stories become light, light becomes films, and films become dreams. Samay and his wild gang of friends move heaven and earth to catch and project light to achieve a 35mm film projection. Together, they use an innovative hack and jubilantly succeed in making a film projection apparatus. But following your dreams often means leaving things behind.

Director: Pan Nalin
Producer: Marc Duale, Dheer Momaya, Pan Nalin
Screenwriter: Pan Nalin
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Monsoon Films Private Limited, Incognito Films, Jugaad Motion Pictures, Virginie Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Gujarati
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 2, 2022, Limited
Runtime: 1h 50m

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