Plot twist: India's indie film circuit has been doing cool things long before this year's Oscar outing.
Young filmmakers have been taking more chances than before, reaching across borders to collaborate, taking advantage of workshops abroad to hone their craft, falling gleefully down rabbit holes to tell unusual stories.
This is fantastic news for viewers. Funding from an international organisation means that a film that would have never been made, now has a fighting chance. An international premiere can boost viewership. So, in cinemas, multiplexes and on streaming networks, a new side of India is being presented to the world, perhaps for the first time.
Is the industry truly blossoming or are the films merely repackaging old stereotypes in a new format? Most filmmakers acknowledge that, for global audiences, it makes sense to weave in explanatory narration, establishing shots, and familiar detail.
Ultimately, though, it's the story itself that determine its success. A film can be set in India, funded from the UK, produced by a crew from India, Norway and France and premiere in Hong Kong.
None of it will matter if it doesn't connect with those watching.
The new opportunities are no guarantee of success, say filmmakers. What it means is a lot more doors to knock on. See how it's all shaping up.
Faraway success Prasun Chatterjee
ALONG WITH BEING LOCAL, THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF UNIVERSAL CONNECTION WITH THE FILM
Prasun Chatterjee's debut feature film Dostojee (Bengali, 2021) tells the tale of two young boys whose friendship takes on a changed dynamic in the wake of the destruction of the Babri Masjid. It won Best Film at the UK Asian Film Festival and Best Film at the Sharjah International Film Festival. It's had releases in the US, UAE and Australia.
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin June 03, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin June 03, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Fit Check? Look Behind You
In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?
Avantika Dassani
Actor, @AvantikaDassani
Keep your i on this BMW
The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip
Sharp edges, blunt words
British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already
The suitable boy
He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?
Hey, I found you online
Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present
This week, we're...
Preferring the spinoff.