‘सिनेमा की कोई भाषा और सीमा नहीं होती’: लंदन इंडियन फिल्म फेस्टिवल पर प्रकाश झा बोले- इसका मकसद भारतीय फिल्मों को दुनिया तक पहुंचाना

The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), which has given global recognition to Indian cinema, has remained Europe’s largest Indian film platform for the last 16 years. This exclusive conversation with Festival Director Cary Sawhney and its Patron, renowned filmmaker Prakash Jha took place at Prakash Jha’s office in Andheri West, Mumbai, where Indian cinema, independent films and global cultural dialogue were discussed in detail.

In this conversation, the philosophy of London Indian Film Festival, international opportunities available to new filmmakers and the global role of Indian cinema were discussed.

Question: London Indian Film Festival has been giving a global platform to Indian cinema since 2010. Carrie, what were your thoughts when you started this?

Answer/Carrie Sahni: When we started this festival, the objective was very clear. Bringing the best films of Indian and South Asian cinema to the world. The festival is not limited to just big commercial cinema, but also gives a platform to independent, thoughtful and experimental films. Over the last 16 years it has grown to become the largest Indian film festival in Europe, and we are proud to bring audiences across all the languages ​​and cultures of India.

Question: Prakash ji, how did you get associated with this festival?

Answer/Prakash Jha: My relationship with Carrie goes back a long way. My films Parimanthi and Death Penalty were shown in London. The biggest characteristic of Carey is his honesty and his dedication towards films. He finds such films from any corner of the world which can communicate with the society. This is the reason why London Indian Film Festival has become such a strong platform today. Indian cinema is in great need of such platforms.

Question: How important is this festival for new and emerging filmmakers?

Answer/Carrie Sahni: This festival is a big opportunity for young filmmakers. We have Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition for short films. Not only India, but filmmakers of Indian origin settled in America, Europe and other parts of the world also send their films. There are many films which do not get theatrical release in India, we show them in London and different cities of UK.

Prakash Jha: Festivals are the biggest support for those films which are not able to make a place in the mainstream. New filmmakers, people working on different subjects, short films and art cinema makers, all of them get recognition here. This is the real work of any festival.

Question:What is the process to participate in this festival?

Answer/Carrie Sahni: The entire process is online. Any filmmaker can send his film. A selection committee views the films and the selected films are invited and presented to an international audience. We keep an eye on film festivals around the world throughout the year. They also choose the best films from places like Cannes, Toronto, Goa Film Market.

Question: How do you see this festival as a cultural bridge?

Answer/Prakash Jha: Cinema has no language or boundaries. It is a universal language. A good story is understood everywhere. Today OTT and subtitles have completely torn down the language barriers. Cinema from different parts of India is now being seen all over the world.

Carry Sawhney: Almost 50 per cent of our audience is non-Indian. They want to see India not just in a romantic or ideal form, but in its true, realistic picture. Our films introduce them to India’s diversity, struggles, dreams and passions.

Question: Which film of Carry, Prakash Jha impresses you the most?

Answer/Carrie Sahni: Death penalty. I programmed it at the BFI London Film Festival. Its ending is still remembered, the reaction of the audience was explosive. Prakash ji’s films have very deep social concerns. She communicates not only with India but with the whole world.

Question: Finally, what would you say about the London Indian Film Festival?

Answer/Carrie Sahni: It is a celebration not just of Indian films but of great cinema.

Prakash Jha:Such platforms convey the soul of Indian cinema to the world.