MIFF 2008 Films Division, IDPA, & Cine exhibitors shook hands..

Mr. Kuldeep Sinha, Chief Producer of Films Division, Mr. Jahnu Barua, President of Indian Documentary Producers Association, and Mr. R.V.Vidhani, President of the Cinema Owners & Exhibitors Association, Mumbai, Agreed to come on common platform to thrash out all issues collectively within time-frame. It was an outcome of a day long seminar during Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF-2008) to change scenario of documentary movement in India.

Mr. Arjit Dutta from Bengal film Industry, Gnani Sankaran from Kerala, Rakesh Shrma from Activist group along with Aanand Patwardhan and Rajendra Joshi shared hot discussion and shared their experiences of exploring and exhibiting documentary films. Though its is mandatory by constitutional provisions to screen a documentary film before screening a feature film in theater and public screening, it is some how not happening for various reasons and pending court matters. However the issues are minor and can be resolved to achieve common goals.

The house also discussed various other avenues for distribution and exhibition of the documentary films. Possibilities of pitching sessions were also discussed. Experiences of exploitations by television channels were shared by fellow producers.

Finally house agreed to move in the direction of bringing together the fractious group and individuals on common platform within Time frame with a hope of positive results.

Report by Rajendra Joshi