ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Jan. 29, 2026 — Newton Cinema has announced official selection of its feature film Mayilaa for the Bright Future section at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). This selection underscores the festival’s commitment to uncovering emerging talent globally.

Semmalar Annam directs Mayilaa, which examines the lives and experiences of working women, presenting their challenges and viewpoints with clear insight.

Pa. Ranjith, the filmmaker presenting the film, stated, “‘Mayilaa’ captures the realities and inner world of working women. Through honest cinematic language, Semmalar Annam depicts a woman’s world with natural subtlety. Performers Melody and Sudar give compelling performances. ‘Mayilaa’ touched me deeply, like a poem.”

This portrayal shows how Mayilaa illustrates storytelling’s power to mirror daily experiences and bring forward underrepresented viewpoints. The narrative stresses the importance of authentic voices and socially aware filmmaking, consistent with Newton Cinema’s mission to back creators whose work reaches beyond regional audiences.

“Mayilaa is a narrative-focused film that portrays women’s experiences and resilience through Semmalar Annam’s direction. Championing authentic voices and socially pertinent cinema continues to be core to Newton Cinema’s vision, making the film’s IFFR selection particularly welcome,” commented Anto Chittilappilly, Founder and CEO of Newton Cinema.

The film’s creative team features Melody, Sudar, Vinoth Janakiraman handling cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad managing editing, and Anand Krishnamoorthi overseeing sound design, all enhancing the film’s immersive quality.

Mayilaa tackles themes that transcend cultural and community boundaries, offering glimpses into frequently overlooked lives. The work embodies the director’s vision and the studio’s collaborative methodology, demonstrating that character-centered narratives can connect with global viewers.

Through Mayilaa, Newton Cinema maintains its commitment to backing socially relevant films and fostering filmmakers who aim for broader recognition.

About Newton Cinema
Newton Cinema operates as an international production studio dedicated to impactful storytelling. By concentrating on up-and-coming directors, it creates films that achieve global connection while honoring local truths.

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