The Crime Literature Festival of India (CLFI) is set to kick off its highly anticipated second edition from 29 November to 1 December, 2024, at the Hyatt Centric in Dehradun. This year’s festival, a gathering of storytellers, justice advocates, and cinephiles, will feature a remarkable lineup of influential figures, including acclaimed filmmakers Prakash Jha (Gangaajal, Aashram) and Anubhav Sinha (Article 15, Mulk), as well as Avinash Singh Tomar, the writer of the thought-provoking novel The Sabarmati Report.
The festival’s opening ceremony will begin with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, led by Mata Shri Mangla Ji, Bhole Ji Maharaj, and Prakash Jha. The lighting of the lamp will symbolize a collective commitment to addressing critical social issues such as terrorism, the drug menace, crimes against women, and cybercrime, setting the stage for three days of engaging discussions and powerful storytelling.
The Crime Literature Festival is known for its unique combination of creativity and social responsibility, bringing together the realms of literature, cinema, and justice. This year, the festival will feature a series of panels and talks that explore the complexities of organized crime, law enforcement, and societal issues.
Among the distinguished speakers at the festival are Surender Mohan Pathak, the legendary author of over 300 Hindi crime novels, who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to reshaping Indian crime fiction; S. Hussain Zaidi, acclaimed crime author of Dongri to Dubai and Black Friday, who will share insights on organized crime in India; Meeran Borwankar, former DGP and author of Madam Commissioner, offering a rare glimpse into her transformative career in law enforcement; K. Vijay Kumar, the mastermind behind the Veerappan manhunt, who will delve into the challenges of high-stakes operations; and Nidhi Kulpati, NDTV anchor, who will moderate insightful discussions on the media’s role in justice. Also, Zeishan Quadri, writer of Gangs of Wasseypur, and Randeep Jha, director of Kohrra and Trial by Fire, will discuss the intersection of crime and cinema.
A special highlight of this year’s festival is the recognition of young talent. Students from top schools and universities, including St. Joseph’s Academy, Welham Girls’ School, Welham Boys’ School, and GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, have submitted remarkable crime-themed short stories and films. These contributions will be showcased at the festival, with the students being honored for their innovative storytelling and awareness of societal issues.
The young filmmakers and writers will receive accolades from renowned figures in the industry, including Prakash Jha and Anubhav Sinha, as part of the festival’s mission to encourage and nurture emerging talent.
Ashok Kumar, Former DGP of Uttarakhand and the Festival Chairperson, emphasized the festival’s role in raising awareness, said, “Raising awareness is the first step in preventing crime. This platform not only highlights the complexities of justice but also celebrates the work of storytellers who challenge societal norms and inspire action.”
Adding to this sentiment, Aloke Lal, Former DGP of Uttarakhand and Festival Director, said, “CLFI is a confluence of ideas, experiences, and voices. By bringing together luminaries and emerging talent, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of crime and justice through the lens of literature and cinema.”
As India’s premier platform combining literature, cinema, and social reform, the Crime Literature Festival of India continues to serve as a crucial space for dialogue and learning. This year’s edition promises to be a transformative experience, encouraging attendees to reflect on the power of storytelling to inspire change and deepen our understanding of crime and justice.
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