GUWAHATI, Nov 3 - Internationally acclaimed film critic Manoj Borpujari stated that the film policy of the Assam government is silent on many issues, including the film society. Borpujari was speaking at the open forum held on the fourth day of Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) on Sunday.
Sharing his experience as a regular visitor to many national and international film festivals, Borpujari said, �I am a serious viewer of cinema, which pushes me to write about the medium.�
He stated that film is the medium that helps him discover different topics or situations. Terming the GIFF a platform for all kinds of filmmakers, he asserted that a film festival is a platform to showcase any creation, which is otherwise not possible in a commercial way.
Commenting on the present film culture, he said, �The purpose of developing a film culture does not revolve around screening a good number of films, but also appreciating different genres of films.�
He added that a film festival helps a person expand his or her horizon to understand what a good film is.
Another panellist in the open forum and Polish filmmaker Ewa Bukowska observed that for a woman, it is not easy to become a film director.
�In my case, I have faced many challenges while changing my profession from acting to the direction. As a director, the GIFF is the first international film festival I have participated. So, it�s a very special experience for me,� she said.
Commenting on the importance of film festivals, she stated that international film festivals are like bridges for filmmakers to connect with the audience.
Meanwhile, she pointed out that today�s film industry is highly dominated by money power.
Actor cum director Heikki Kujanpaa from Finland, who was also a panellist in the open forum, said, �International film festivals are very important for a filmmaker. Such festivals are platforms for critical thinking and to discuss difficult topics.�
Moderator of the session and filmmaker Roma Zachemba commented that in the third edition of GIFF, a good number of films made by female directors were screened.
