In this compelling roundtable discussion, leading Indian independent filmmakers including Payal Kapadia, Chaitanya Tamhane, Rima Das, Vikramaditya Motwane, Shaunak Sen and Rana Daggubati explore the current state and future of independent cinema in India. The conversation delves into the challenges of funding, distribution, and reaching audiences, while celebrating recent breakthrough successes on the global stage.
From the struggle to secure theatrical releases to the changing landscape of streaming platforms, these filmmakers share their personal journeys and discuss potential solutions for building a sustainable independent film ecosystem in India. The discussion highlights both the obstacles and opportunities facing indie filmmakers today, offering insights into how the industry might evolve to better support diverse voices and stories.
00:00 Opening sequence
01:05 Welcoming filmmakers
01:30 Is independent cinema at a tipping point?
04:03 Rana on audience curiosity and regional cinema progress
04:53 Vikramaditya on challenges facing Hindi indie cinema post-pandemic
06:23 Discussion on genre films like "Jigra" and "Kill" underperforming
08:20 Payal on hopes for easier funding for future projects and international distribution of "All We Imagine As Light"
09:28 Rana talks about creative distribution strategies for indie films
13:05 Rima shares challenges in marketing her film "Tora's Husband"
15:30 Chaitanya on "The Disciple" and its Netflix reception
19:05 Shaunak discusses the documentary ecosystem and distribution hurdles
25:02 Streamers and the changing landscape
27:27 Filmmakers reflect on loneliness in indie filmmaking
32:15 Shaunak talks about loneliness but also the freedom it brings
34:17 Chaitanya on immense pressure of festival selections for indie filmmakers
37:48 Discussion on raising international funding for films
44:07 Rana points out fragmentation of India's film industries and challenges
48:15 Potential solutions for theatrical distribution
51:44 Rana talks about audience curiosity during the pandemic
52:41 Quality and evolution of independent cinema
56:19 Filmmaker communities and support systems
1:02:06 Final thoughts: What gives filmmakers hope?
1:07:30 Closing remarks
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