RIFF, 7: Films, Knowledge Series and Open Forum

At the inaugural function of the Sixth Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF), on 18^th January, 2020, at the Open-Air Jawahar Kala Kendra, the following films were screened: My Turn (Korea), Kalamkhush, #Jaipuractivists and Dhanak (all from India). Regular screenings and other sessions commenced at Cinépolis, Jaipur, on the second day, the 19th of January, 2020. Films screened during the morning session were Chitthiyan, Pearl-A Girl around You, Oxygen and Apna Jaipur-The Pink City of India,

Around noon, a Knowledge Series (Talk-Show+Workshop) was conducted, in which the Festival Director Ms. Anshu Harsh spoke to Manish Mundra, Founder of Drishyam Films, which has been promoting low-budget, high-quality cinema for many years now. This proved the main attraction of the day. The topic was: ‘Jack of all trades’. During the conversation, Mr. Mundra talked about his early days of financial crisis and his entry into the film world. He spoke about ways in which talent can be brought to the fore in the days of the Internet. Anshu dwelt on his passion for photography, painting and poetry-writing. Mundra read out some poems from his book, titled ‘Kuchh Adhooree Baaten Man Kee,’ which was distributed free to the audience present. A 7-minute film titles Maid for Us, made by his daughter Disha, was screened.

Another session was held in the afternoon, on the subject, Changing Landscape and Future of Cinema. This was a Talk Show, organised on the lines of the Open Forum, which is held at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, by the Federation of Film Societies of India, which has accredited RIFF. It was moderated by journalist Ajit Rai. On the panel were Tannishtha Chatterjee (actor-director), Anshuman Jha (actor-producer), Namita Lal (actor-producer), Korean director NakYung Kim and Deepak Mahaan (documentary film-maker)

According to Rai, content will be the star of Indian cinema. , “Thanks to technology, we can make the best of films. Technology has brought cinema into the hands of the youth.” Tannishtha Chatterjee noted that people are watching movies on mobile phones, making it possible to reach large audiences. Anshuman Jha stated that the star-system is ending slowly and new talent has made its place in cinema. He felt that audiences still prefer to watch a film in cinema halls, especially films with outstanding VFX. Something that needs to be reconsidered is that cinema falls under our central government’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry, whereas, rightfully, it should be under the Ministry of Culture.

Kim said that we must look at cinema as personal relations. We must learn from each other and carry our work forward. Deepak Mahaan commented that because of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, single screen cinemas are dying out. Commercial considerations are driving away creative persons. Because of OTT, the future of feature films is dark. Namita Lal observed that we have been witnessing a new trend for some time, which has made it easier for newcomers to make an entry. Films are being made in shorter periods and in low budgets, yet they are turning out to be great.

In conclusion, Rai averred that the function of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is to certify films, and not to cut scenes.

Films screened in the second half of the day were:

Killing a River

Old Marine Boy (Korea)

Khushi

Hasmukh Sadan

Tenu Takda Rahu (music video)

Rome Rome Mein

Samaditthi

The Red Cap (India-Russia)

Lihaaf

Mein Vrinda

Mala Bhabhi (BanglaDesh)

Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele

Bohubritta

Kathaah@8

Dancing Wheels

and In the Land of Poison Women

(Unless otherwise indicated, the listed films are Indian).