After skipping Mumbai Film Festival for two consecutive days, MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) chairman and acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal finally comes up on the third day of the fest. Here's a first person account on his Mr India act, why is there no big name associated with the event and what the event is all about:
On his absence and Kabir Bedi's fuming exit during opening:
I could not make it during the opening ceremony of MAMI as I was busy and hence was unable to reach on time. But as far as the event goes, it was my decision to just light the lamp and let everyone go into the theatres on time because we are always behind schedule. Lobby was an appropriate place for the lighting of the lamp. This enabled all the film buffs to watch the movie. Hence it might have felt a little crammed.
AFP Photo
On Nana Patekar's no-show on the second day and other dignitaries staying away:
It is up to an individual to decide whether to come or to skip the event. In any case, when is it that all the bigwigs ever attended the festivals organised here in India? I have never seen them coming for the festivals.
Objective of the Mumbai Film Festival:
Many organisations have exuberant ramp shows and pomp events to make their mark. Whereas we are here to cater to the film lovers. We are aiming at the youth and upcoming filmmakers who are talented enough and want to venture into filmmaking. Not many get the privilege to go to Cannes Film Festival or any other countries as they cannot afford spending so much of money. We have been able to get the most brilliant and the best films from across the globe. Amateurs can come and watch and learn various nuances of filmmaking. Secondly, film distribution is also enhanced at this platform. Buying and selling can be dealt from here itself. Film festivals, I feel, are most important for the new entrants to know what kind of films are made all over the world. So in that sense our aim has been achieved.
First for French films:
We have been able to get most of the best films from all over the world. The credit goes to Tina Ambani and Reliance who are passionate about films. She also tried her level best to work towards the betterment of this festival and she wants the youth of our country to watch all the films which otherwise would have not been possible for every individual. French films too have come here in the heart of the Bollwood industry. It is the first time that we will be showcasing the French films in the fest.
On overcoming hiccups:
Every event has some problem or the other as they are handled by some event organisers. But what counts at the end is that the best of the films should be shown here. With regards to projection of films, I heard that there were some problems. This is because all the negatives that are sent are not in one piece. They are broken in parts.
This happened on the second day at Metro theatre where the film could not be brought in one piece for almost an hour. So finally I asked the projection guy to stop it. We have found a solution to this problem. I have asked them to depute efficient editors to check the film before being projected and then showcase them in the theatres. Problems do come whenever such fests are organised. This happens not only in India but all over the world which I have been a part of.
Last but not the least:
The one thing that I regret is that the people earlier associated with this fest had worked with full dedication while these fests were organised. But now the same enthusiasm and knowhow of the job are missing. Our job is to look into every problem of the irate audiences, if at all. I have instructed everyone working behind the scenes to be careful enough so that we do not face any problems.
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