The second day of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa was an inspiring journey into the heart of cinema's future. As a filmmaker, the discussions, panels, and screenings served as a poignant reminder of cinema’s evolving role as a cultural and technological medium. The events of the day delved deeply into how storytelling can bridge divides, amplify unheard voices, and adapt to changing times without losing its essence.
Film Festivals: Guardians of Stories and Culture
The panel discussion “360° Cinema: Film Festival Directors' Round Table” brought together cinematic visionaries—Cameron Bailey (Toronto International Film Festival), Giona Nazzaro (Locarno Film Festival), and Emma Boa (Edinburgh International Film Festival)—to reflect on the importance of promoting global cinema and ensuring its future. Moderated by Shekhar Kapur, the session highlighted the vital role film festivals play in fostering cultural exchange and elevating diverse narratives.
Cameron Bailey’s observation, “Stories are bigger than us, and cinema has the power to connect us to something larger than ourselves,” resonated deeply. As filmmakers, we are the custodians of these stories, and festivals provide the platforms to ensure they reach audiences far and wide. Emma Boa’s point about technology amplifying cinema’s reach rather than replacing its core communal experience was equally compelling. It reminded us that while technology evolves, the emotional and shared connection of watching a film in a theatre remains irreplaceable.
Indian Cinema’s Global Resonance
Giona Nazzaro spoke eloquently about Indian cinema’s unique place in the global cinematic landscape, emphasizing its universal themes and rich storytelling traditions. As filmmakers, it’s humbling to know that the stories emerging from our soil continue to captivate international audiences, offering both cultural specificity and universal appeal.
The panellists’ admiration for India’s passion for cinema felt like a call to action for filmmakers in the country. It’s a reminder to continue experimenting, innovating, and telling stories that reflect our roots while pushing creative boundaries.
A Tribute to Unsung Heroes: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
The Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2024 began with the screening of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biographical drama that chronicles the life of revolutionary thinker Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Directed and performed by Randeep Hooda, the film delves into Savarkar’s transformation into a staunch advocate of armed resistance and his enduring contributions to India’s fight for independence. During a media interaction, Randeep Hooda expressed, "I took it upon myself to put the real story of our unsung hero, Veer Savarkar, in the public discourse." He highlighted how the film sheds light on Savarkar’s vision for a militarily strong India and its influence on revolutionaries of the time.
Actress Anjali Hooda, portraying Bhikaji Cama, reflected on how the role deepened her understanding of Savarkar’s personal and ideological struggles. The cast and crew shared their creative journey, emphasizing the importance of bringing such untold stories to the forefront. The film not only celebrates Savarkar’s love for the motherland but also highlights the sacrifices he made for freedom, making it a significant addition to the Indian Panorama lineup.
The Spotlight on Non-Feature Films
Day 2 also shone a well-deserved spotlight on non-feature films, a genre often overlooked in mainstream conversations. The Non-Feature Films Jury, led by Subbiah Nallamuthu, discussed the rise of impactful documentaries and the need for more structured support. As a filmmaker, hearing jury member Vandana Kohli advocate for media attention and mentoring for non-feature films was particularly motivating. These films, often created under immense constraints, are powerful tools for social change and cultural reflection.
The selection of Ghar Jaisa Kuch as the opening non-feature film was a moment of pride, showcasing the stories from Ladakh. It’s a testament to the growing recognition of regional cinema and the untapped potential of filmmakers from India’s remotest corners.
Indian Panorama: A Celebration of Diversity
The Indian Panorama section, with its meticulously curated selection of feature and non-feature films, exemplified the diversity of Indian cinema. The jury’s commitment to ensuring representation from all regions of the country highlighted how Indian cinema serves as a mirror to its cultural and linguistic plurality.
Hearing Manoj Joshi passionately declare, “We are the primal storytellers of the world,” reaffirmed the idea that storytelling is deeply ingrained in our heritage. As filmmakers, this is both a privilege and a responsibility—to honor this legacy while embracing innovation.
Women, Cinema, and the Road Ahead
The panel discussion on “Women’s Safety and Cinema” brought forth critical insights about gender representation and the industry’s role in fostering a safe and equitable space for women. The panellists, including Suhasini Maniratnam, Bhumi Pednekar, and Imtiaz Ali, emphasized the need for dignity both on and off the screen. Their collective call for better representation and safer workplaces resonated as a necessary step forward in the cinematic world.
Masterclass: Prasoon Joshi on Decentralizing Storytelling
Prasoon Joshi’s masterclass on “The Journey from Script to Screen” was a standout session moderated by renowned film critique Anant Vijay for filmmakers. His observation that storytelling must be decentralized to reach India’s farthest corners struck a chord. Initiatives like Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) are critical in enabling storytellers from underrepresented regions to emerge and share their unique perspectives.
Joshi’s insights on balancing personal truth with universal resonance were especially inspiring. His assertion, “When you narrate something deeply personal, it becomes universal,” is a guiding principle for any storyteller.
A Reflection on the Day
As a filmmaker, Day 2 of IFFI was a powerful reminder of the medium’s potential to transform, inspire, and unite. Whether through the thought-provoking discussions on technology and global cinema or the spotlight on regional and non-feature films, the day reinforced the idea that cinema is not just an art form but a living, breathing dialogue between cultures, communities, and creators.
The role of festivals like IFFI in nurturing this dialogue cannot be overstated. They are not just celebrations of films but incubators of ideas, platforms for voices, and bridges between worlds. For filmmakers, they are a reminder of why we tell stories—to connect with something larger than ourselves.
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