On Thursday, the picture postcard city by the seashore, Goa, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an enriching dialogue amongst established voices in cinema during the ‘Film Festival Directors’ Round Table.’ The engaging discussion was superbly moderated by Shekhar Kapur, the visionary filmmaker who has tasted directorial success with films like Elizabeth and The Four Feathers and is currently in charge as the director of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
The Round Table was an opportunity to study an important transitional phase of film festivals in a worldwide context and their function as a multi-platform space for representations and perspectives. Targeted at both film enthusiasts and industry professionals, the event attracted a remarkable roster of directors from the most prestigious film festivals around the world, a vibrant tapestry of international cinema.
Another prominent figure present was Alfredo V. S. Chiong, the director of the Manila Film Festival. His experiences in navigating the challenges of pandemic-related disruptions in festival hosting resonated with many attendees, highlighting innovative solutions that could be adapted globally.
Adding to the complexity of the discussions was Nina Lee Aquino, the festival director of the Asian Film Festival. She emphasized the need for cultural exchange through cinema and the crucial role festivals play in fostering connections between filmmakers and audiences worldwide. Her call for greater inclusivity and representation for Asian stories was met with nods of agreement from fellow directors.
Shanta Thake, representing the New Zealand International Film Festival, elaborated on the unique challenges faced in curating a festival in a post-COVID landscape. Her experiences have shown her the resilience of filmmakers and the evolvement of storytelling mediums, including virtual and hybrid films, which were key topics during the round table.
The dialogue, filled with robust exchanges and compelling narratives, also touched upon the technological advances shaping the film industry. Participants voiced their perspectives on the impact of streaming platforms on traditional film festivals, with many viewing this as an opportunity rather than a threat, suggesting that it could lead to wider accessibility and viewership for films previously overlooked.
Shekhar Kapur expertly steered the conversation, providing context and background while drawing connections between the diverse experiences of the directors. He stressed the need for film festivals to remain evolving and changing with this fluidity of culture.
The ‘Film Festival Directors’ Round Table’ was not just a platform to share personal insights and experiences, but actually became an initiative in collaboration for a supportive film and festival community. As the participants left the table, there were new ideas and renewed commitments that called for development of the global film community.
The 55th IFFI has successfully positioned itself as a melting pot of ideas and creativity, and events like the Round Table only reinforce its mission to celebrate and elevate the art of cinema. For movie enthusiasts, this is a promising sign of the vibrant future awaiting the world of films. As the festival continues, the anticipation builds for what further sharing of innovative ideas and collaborations might arise.