The film bazaar of IFFI brought together film directors,scriptwriters and producers from all genres of film. Amongst these was Onir,Indian film director, editor, writer and producer. He is best known for his filmMy Brother…Nikhil, one of the first mainstream Hindi films to deal with AIDSand same-sex relationships. Incidentally, this film was shot in Goa.
Lamenting about the fact that independent filmmakers do nothave a platform in Indian cinema, Onir hopes that things will soon change. He,along with several National Award winning filmmakers, has written a petition toask the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to protect and saveindependent cinema. The petition raisesthe concern shared by independent filmmakers across the country about theexhibition and broadcasting of their films.
He says, “The main challenge faced by independent film makesis the fact that exhibitions of these films are extremely difficult. TheMinistry of Information and Broadcasting does not acknowledge this fact. Satellite channels only cater to big films,while serious films struggle for space.”
He also feels that multiplexes leave these filmmakers out inthe cold. Independent filmmakers do not have the power or the necessary fundingto actually fight for space in these multiplexes. He says, “What we need is aplatform to showcase our work. You don’t go to a night club and hope to listento Indian Classical music or watch a Bharatnatyam show. It’s the same way withserious independent films. I have nothing against mainstream films, but we needalso small theatres that showcase these films, so as to give these filmmakers achance.”
When asked about funding for independent films in thecountry, he says that people abroad have a much easier time of it compared toIndia. “Crowd funding in India is difficult and most independent filmmakersface this issue. Finding financial backing abroad is so much easier. Peoplejust donate money to this kind of cause.”
He concludes, “The panel here talks about independentfilmmakers and giving them a platform. It remains to be seen. There are 45 filmmakers and 7500 petitioners and despite this, if we don’t get a hearing it willbe very sad.”
