Kannada film director P. Sheshadri’s,
‘December 1’ was the only Kannada film to be shortlisted for the feature film
section of Indian Panorama. The film that was screened on November 26 found
itself in the middle of a discussion at a press conference held by its
director, P Sheshadri along with the lead actress of the film, Niveditha. An
unhappy Sheshadri highlighted few issues that hinted towards improper
management of the annual film festival. Also, Sheshadri expressed displeasure
over the fact that films that are screened in the Indian Panorama section of
IFFI, are not screened at the NFDC Film Bazaar despite both the events being
held by government bodies set up to promote film in the country.
The director who claims to be attending IFFI for the past 24 years in a row said, “The business side of films is an inseparable part of any international film festival. Apart from exchanging cultures, we come to the festival for the market that it offers. Till date, I have made eight films, out of which seven have been screened at IFFI, but it has not helped me financially. Apart from the hospitality and the airfare, there is nothing that a filmmaker can expect out of this annual film festival. NFDC’s Film Bazaar takes place at a different venue. Despite NFDC and DFF both being government organisations, instead of working together they are seen competing with each other. Most of the film financers or potential producers visit Film Bazaar and not IFFI. Although the distance between the two venues is minimal, filmmakers whose films are being screened at IFFI, do not have access to the Film Bazaar. Last year, I had raised this issue by writing to the officers at the DFF but nothing has changed.”
In a more guarded conversation, a cautious Sheshadri chose his words wisely to raise another valid point. He seemed unhappy about the selection of films made by the jury for the feature film section of the Indian Panorama. Sheshadri said, “Although I cannot question the jury about their selection, I have seen a couple of Malayalam films and I can say that another Kannada film of mine that was rejected, was on par as far as its content, technique and the overall treatment is concerned. It was in the competition section of MAMI and Kolkata film festival and I have no clue about why it was not selected at IFFI. This year, most films that have been selected can be classified as ‘mainstream cinema’ which is different from ‘festival cinema’. I have watched 8-10 films in the last three days that I’ve been here and I am yet to watch a ‘good film’. I am leaving from IFFI, very unhappy.”