IFFI 50: Open Forum debates benefits of digital distribution for independent film-makers The 50th edition of IFFI held an Open Forum on the 27th of November, 2019. The topic debated in the session was: whether independent producers are benefiting because of digital distribution or not. Speakers on the panel were renowned film-makers Shaji N. Karun, Rahul Dholakia (Parzania and Raees fame), famous editor Carol Littleton (ET), Ujwal Nirgudkar, Technical Advisor to IFFI, wildlife film-maker S...

Drishtti, Review: Reflections in a crystal ball Mugdha Veira Godse, a popular model and Hindi film actor, has turned producer (co-producer, to be accurate) with the short film, Drishtti (stylised from Drishti, meaning vision) which is streaming on Hungama Play from 30 March. It is the story of a crystal ball gazer (Mugdha Godse) who has the gift of analysing personalities and traits, and predicting the future, albeit partially. A journalist called Naina comes to interview her. During the con...

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent When film critic turned TV personality Roger Ebert (1942-2013) penned “Life Itself,” a memoir published in 2011, the title struck a chord as a line lifted from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Dr. Frank N. Furter, or actor Tim Curry in full-corset drag on heels, shrieks with delight “I hold the key to life… ITSELF!”    Our Roger Ebert was a bit naughty, and clearly liked Rocky Horror. This much we ...

Welcome to my first blog for Fest21.I'm primarily a media agent, journalist, reviewer, photography agent, website portal developer and social and community entrepreneur.For my of my career I've been based in Sydney, Australia.My background includes sales and marketing in the Australian pay television sector, where I worked untill approx 2000.In 2001 I entered freelance journalism, and it wasn't untill 2003 I became better known as a media agent, new media entrepreneur and television presenter (C...

The effects of the global economy meltdown have sent a lot of developed countries scrambling to stay afloat. Everything they are experiencing now is nothing new to the third world where poverty, unemployment, poor education, disease, corruption, and crime have remained rampant. Suddenly, developed nations relate more to stories frequently associated with third world countries.   This did not go unnoticed by talented filmmakers who continuously raise the bar and maintain a keen s...