GUWAHATI, Nov 2 - �The techniques used by a filmmaker to popularise a film must include both artistic values and the elements of entertainment,� said national-award winning film critic Apurba Sarma while speaking in an open forum held as part of the Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) here today.
The open forum, moderated by another acclaimed film critic Premendra Mazumder, was held on the topic �Popularising Film as an Art Form� on the third day of GIFF on the premises of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.
Analysing the topic further, Sarma asserted that though a section of filmmakers in this region has achieved success by making Bollywood and Hollywood style films, it will be very short-lived.
Citing the example of filmmaker Goutam Ghose, Sarma stated that a film must have originality to achieve success or popularity. In this context, he also appraised the work of Rima Das who has very cleverly contextualised some subjects like poverty, floods, social evils, etc.
Another panellist of the session and filmmaker Manju Bora said, �A few years ago, the rise of video films had ruined the Assamese film industry. Fortunately, our film industry now again starts reviving. Especially, the Internet aided platforms have introduced a good storehouse of films for us. So, now, we must make the new generation aware of what good films and what bad films are.�
She further stated that events like the GIFF have also been playing a vital role in popularising films and a change has also come. Moreover, a filmmaker has to portray an issue in a film in an aesthetic way, as the film is a very powerful media and has an immense impact on society.
Another panellist Christopher Dalton, in his speech, emphasised the need for rural film festivals across the country to build a good film environment.
Premendra Mazumder, the moderator of the session, said, �Satyajit Ray once stated that we need to build a section of good audience before we start making a film. This view is still relevant to us. Meanwhile, the film festival is also very important to us and it plays a vital role in popularising the film culture.�
