Celebrating the Longest Day and the Brightest Creative Voices

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Welcome to the Litha Edition of The Wise Owl—our midsummer celebration of light, energy, and creative brilliance. As the sun reaches its highest point and daylight lingers, we shine a spotlight on emerging talent and powerful stories in cinema, literature, and art.

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This edition celebrates emerging Indian filmmakers who are winning acclaim at home and abroad. We feature Rohan Kanawade, whose sensitive and visually rich feature film Cactus Pears, set in rural Maharashtra, explores a queer relationship with rare delicacy. The film has received widespread recognition, including the Sundance Jury Award, IFFLA Popular Choice Award, and the SXSW London Grand Jury Prize. Don’t miss our in-depth interview and exclusive video conversation with Rohan.

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Also in focus is Sachin Dheeraj, whose film Testimony of Ana won the Golden Lotus for Best Non-Feature Film at the 68th National Film Awards. His poignant portrayal of overlooked lives resonates deeply in today’s world.

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In our Visual Arts section, we feature Syrian artist Alia Alkhalfah, whose works explore displacement, memory, and identity. Also showcased is the abstract portraiture of Ernest Williamson III, whose dreamlike art continues to engage audiences worldwide.

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Our Talking Books segment spotlights Neena Singh and her poetry collection A Peacock’s Cry—a lyrical journey through emotion, memory, and transformation. The Poetry section includes a sneak preview of Signing in the Air, the forthcoming collection by Malashri Lal, alongside evocative poetry and fiction by emerging and established voices. In our Review section, literary voices Jonaki Ray and Ravinder Sodhi offer thoughtful critiques, while Ramandeep Mahal dissects the short film Straw, bringing a cinematic lens to the theme of quiet disquiet.

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Our beautifully designed print editions continue to delight readers who cherish the tactile joy of reading. If you love the rustle of paper and the scent of fresh print, consider subscribing. You’ll receive a thoughtfully curated keepsake each month.

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Finally, we are thrilled to announce that The Wise Owl Lit Awards 2026 are open for nominations till 30th August. After the resounding success of our 2025 edition, we look forward to discovering new literary and creative voices. Be part of this celebration of creative excellence!

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As always, thank you for reading, sharing, and staying wise with us. Here's to midsummer light, new beginnings, and stories that shine.

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Team The Wise Owl