Young filmmakers
If a bunch of young film enthusiasts have their way, things will change for better. Majumdar has launched a film club in an effort to provide a platform for the screening of short films in Kolkata. And thankfully, he is not the only one taking such an initiative.
Last year, the Bangla Telefilm Club was launched by a group of young telefilm directors to take quality films to the masses. “Some very good telefilms are being made for Bengali television channels nowadays but unfortunately they hardly get any visibility. After being telecast on a Sunday afternoon they are all but discarded,” says Arin Paul, a member of the club.
Since its inception, the club has organised a number of screenings not only in the city but in various parts of the state as well. “The idea is to take these quality films to the masses. We need to break free from the commercial, formulaic film mould. More so because filmmaking is so much easier today,” says Paul.
Gaining popularity
Film producer Raja Dey reiterates the point. “Filmmaking has become an affordable affair these days. Today a person can shoot a good film even with a mobile phone. What’s important is the idea, the concept,” he says.
Which is probably why both these clubs have already managed to gain popularity. “I used to look down upon Bangla teleflms but at a screening at Nandan, I was bowled over,” says Parjanya Sen, a second-year student of English at Jadavpur University.
Awareness needed
Much, however, remains to be done. In realising the full potential of short films and telefilms, the media has an important role to play. “The internet can be used as a promotional medium by putting up small clips on sites like YouTube to create awareness,” says Majumdar, also a member of the club.
Initiatives like the NDTV Indie Film, Tara Muzik Telefilm Festival Club and the CNBC Short Film Festival, where cash prizes for winners act as encouragement, also contribute to the cause. “The annual telefilm festival has proved to be a big boost for us. Not only does it attract crowds but also generates a lot of media attention,” states Paul.
Next in line is a documentary film club. “It’s high time that documentary filmmakers and the audience got together,” asserts filmmaker Anindita Sarbadhikari.