The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa, noticed a strong debate on the evolving landscape of non-feature filmmaking during a press conference led by the Indian Panorama Non-Feature Films Jury.
Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu, Chairperson of the Jury, highlighted the overwhelming response to the non-feature category this year, with over 250 entries across India. "A meaningful number of access came from the Northeast," he noted, adding, "Filmmakers from various walks of life, including college students and young creators, have submitted their work. Content and storytelling remained the key selection criteria."
Among the noteworthy developments, jury member Ms. Shalini Shah expressed pride in selecting the Ladakhi film Ghar Jaisa Kuch, directed by Shri Harsh Sangani, as the opening film. “This is a rare and proud occasion,” she stated, while also celebrating the progress in Haryanvi cinema due to targeted mentoring programs.
The jury underscored the importance of improving visibility for non-feature films. Ms. Vandana Kohli supported greater media attention and the construction of film clubs to raise attention. “We need to talk more about these films in the media and create film clubs to develop awareness among audiences and filmmakers,” she highlighted. However, while content is often strong, aspects like editing and storytelling would benefit from skilled mentoring.
The panel followed appearing trends in the genre, including a wave in entrances from the Northeast and the efforts of urban filmmakers to create impactful documentaries in small areas. They called for improved support for documentary filmmaking, underlining the lack of possible platforms for such films.
"OTT platforms should take the lead in commissioning and broadcasting non-feature films," the jury recommended, emphasizing the need for understanding generation, structured publicity, and budget. They also recommended using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to back unique non-feature projects.
The jury praised industries by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), especially its support for films in the Northeast and the launch of the Documentary Resource Initiative, which aims to strengthen the genre.
The Non-Feature Film Jury for IFFI 2024 contains seven accomplished members, chaired by Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu, a famous documentary filmmaker and recipient of multiple National Film Awards. The meeting also includes Shri Rajnikant Acharya, Shri Ronel Haobam, Ms. Usha Deshpande, Ms. Vandana Kohli, Shri Mithunchandra Chaudhari, and Ms. Shalini Shah.
This year, 20 non-feature films have been nominated for the Indian Panorama from a pool of 262 submissions. The chosen films showcase the power of Indian filmmakers to document, entertain, and reflect current values.
The Jury's opening selection, Ghar Jaisa Kuch, presents the diversity and creation celebrated at IFFI. Concluding the press conference, Ms. Vandana Kohli remarked, “We need to understand documentaries, comprehend them, and celebrate them.”
As IFFI 2024 continues, it supports its role as a strong medium for promoting dialogue, innovation, and collaboration within the global film community. (PIB)