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.”
