GUWAHATI, Oct 30 - �In India, filmmakers from every part of the country have already made a number of films on various subjects. But, if we compare our film industry with the world scenario, then we feel we�re like a small flower in a big garden, where numerous chances go unnoticed. Now it is time to rediscover ourselves through art,� said National Award winning filmmaker from Kerala, Shaji Neelakantan Karun, while speaking in the open forum held as part of the second edition of the Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) here on Tuesday.
Karun said that an honest attempt is needed in order to make a successful film. Revealing about his own style of filmmaking, Karun said, �I always lay stress on human emotions, because emotion is a universal element of human society. All the epics were also written based on human emotions. I always want to depict the pain of a person in my film.�
He said that in the story of a film, there must be some idea to convey to the common masses. Cinema should be food for the brain, because mature and enlightened audience always looks for something new in a film, Karun pointed out.
�A filmmaker should have a clear idea about how to make a film. For achieving success, there should be evolution of idea. All new filmmakers should think and work on his or her idea before starting a film,� Karun said.
Citing the co-production process as the way to connect people, Karun said, �Co-production needs some agreement. But in India, in most cases, the filmmaking process functions based on mutual trust. On the other hand, in foreign countries, one has to sign pages of agreement before one starts working with a film. So, there are some differences between India and abroad when it comes to production.�
Speaking in the open forum on the topic �Co-production: Reality, myth and necessity�, Estonian filmmaker Maie Rossmanlill said, �Co-production is now a very effective way in filmmaking. It is very much in today�s scenario to expand the market. In our country, co-production has always played a vital role in the success of a film.�
�Co-production helps one to open up the market for a film. It helps in expanding the field of marketing and possibilities of commercial success for a filmmaker. Now, with the help of new technology, people can now enjoy films from every part of the world, so a filmmaker should use the platform to reach worldwide audience,� Maie said.
Explaining about the process of co-production, she said, �First of all you have to build up a strong story, then you choose the locations and then approach for co-production as per your choice. It makes it easy to shoot a film anywhere in the world.�
Malaysian filmmaker Eric Ong, who was also present in the open forum as a panellist, said co-production helps in expanding the territory and breaking the cultural and social barriers for a filmmaker.
�Co-production is a way through which a filmmaker can make a film with a good budget. It is necessary, so that your film reaches every corner of the world and get worldwide appreciation. Now language is not a barrier for a filmmaker to release his film in the world market. A filmmaker should attempt to inform as many people as possible about his film,� Ong said.
Stating that context is the most important aspect for a film, Ong said, �In our country the process of co-production always starts with the signing of an agreement, where all terms and conditions are written very clearly. It is very much needed for the success of the process.�
Producer Shahnab Alam, who moderated the open forum, in his speech said, �Cinema is always a collective effort, so co-production is a very essential element of the whole process, which enables a filmmaker to explore new dimensions.�
