Following a group of small-town, DIY Indian filmmakers, Reema Kagti‘s “Superboys of Malegaon” is a moving crowd-pleaser that constantly reaffirms its importance through its central theme. Although the film, which is based on real events, often tries to cover too much ground, it continually circles back to the idea that people must see themselves reflected in art, not just out of want, but out of deep desire stemming from need, in order to live with dignity.

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In adding years of context to each decision leading up to this superhero spoof, Varun Grover’s script also adds indelible (and tragic) context to the documentary, as well as the parody film it portrays, while transforming the film’s own tale of scrappy creativity into a spiritually moving look at the meaning of cinematic images, and the immortality they offer. Its shattering climax makes for a wonderful complement to Spanish maestro Victor Erice’s recent comeback, “Close Your Eyes,” which is no easy feat.