“The strength of cinema is that visuals tell the entire story”: Chairman, Indian Panorama (Feature)

Goa:21/11/18:`The growth of regional cinema in India has been absolutely fantastic, it is making huge strides, noted Shri Rahul Rawail, Chairman of Jury, Indian Panorama (Feature), of the 49^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He said that the day is not far when there will be no distinctive entity called regional cinema, and all cinema will be referred to as cinema. Highlighting the range of films featured in the Indian Panorama section at IFFI, Shri Rawail said that the array of selected films includes those set in Ladakh, Lakshwadeep, Tulu and Assam.

Addressing a press conference during the 49^th International Film Festival of India (IFF) in Panjim, Goa, Shri Rawail said that it was a tough exercise to select 22 films from a list of more than 100 films which were simply great. Shri Rawail was joined by film-maker and jury member (IP – Feature) Major Ravi; and Shri K. G. Suresh, Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, both members of Feature Film Jury.

The jury of Indian Panorama – Non Feature too were present at the media briefing. Shri Vinod Ganatra, Jury Chairman, (Non- Feature); film director and educationist, Smt. Parvathy Menon; actor and director Shri Suneel Puranic shared their perspectives on the evolving nature and timeless worth of the non-feature films.

Shri Rawail said that the festival collection includes some fantastic films with brilliant content that were not previously experimented. He said that the films selected were those worthy enough to showcase India on the global stage, and that content that engages the audience was given prominence.

Replying to a query, the Chairman asserted that there is no such thing as national film of anti-national film; the jury considers all movies that comes before it as Indian movies, he said. He stated that the controversy regarding omission of certain movies from Indian Panorama is unfortunate and that the jury was given full autonomy in arriving at its decisions.

Major Ravi said that 18 transgender films were considered for selection in this year’s edition. He pointed out that the jury members have taken a lot of pain in selecting the best films made in the country and have ensured that the Indian Panorama section presents a pan-Indian movie experience to the viewers.

Shri. K.G Suresh, member of Feature Film Jury said that all jury members are satisfied with the selection of movies in Indian panorama section and that it was a very democratic exercise, while there were heated debates between the members on topics ranging from cinematography to acting. He said that the increasing number of stories also pointed out that Indian audience is now ready to watch and accept stories on gender and LGBT issues. He noted that it was very difficult to select the opening film, since all films were so good, and that the one which could give the ultimate cinematic experience was finally chosen.

Smt. Parvathy Menon, jury member for Non feature Films that it is the creativity of short film makers that makes them stand apart from the rest. She also pointed out there were short films with fantastic emotional content, on outstanding subjects which one would not think of making films on. She added that every creator is a mother in one way.

Shri Suneel Puranic, Member of Non Feature Jury said that this year there were relatively less number of entries from southern states which used to contribute much in the previous years. However, he pointed out that there were some brilliant films from Bengali and Marathi languages. He lauded the film makers for their ability to experiment.

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