Voice of Cinema made through Personal Experiences
The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) hosted a captivating "Meet the Director" session at Tagore Theatre on its sixth day. This enriching session brought together visionary filmmakers who leveraged the power of cinema to amplify the stories of marginalized communities, echoing the festival's ethos of inclusivity and diversity.
Filmmakers like Jaicheng Xai Dohutia, director of "Baghjan," Shobhaná Padinjhattil, director of "Girlfriend," and actress Jamilah Bagdach, who are making a difference, made the session exceptional by sharing their thought-provoking insights from their experiences. Jaicheng Xai Dohutia, director of "Baghjan," a film inspired by the 2020 Baghjan gas leak in Assam, described his work as a voice for the affected people. He noted that all but one actor in the film are actual victims of the disaster, underscoring the film's authenticity. Dohutia stressed that the plight of the victims has been overlooked and that his film seeks to bring their struggles to global attention.
Shobhaná Padinjhattil, director of "Girlfriend," expressed her pride in showcasing her debut film, recounting the challenges she overcame to achieve this milestone.
Actress Jamilah Bagdach reflected on the film "Elbow," highlighting its poignant portrayal of racial hatred faced by immigrants, drawing from her personal experiences.
The session was moderated by Meera Sahib and extended beyond its scheduled duration, fueled by enthusiastic participation and thought-provoking discussions. Notable contributors to the discussion included directors Bharat Singh Parihar, actors Paulina Bernini and Monuj Borkotoky, writer Ramendra Singh, producer Daniele Serge, and Sahar Sotoodeh.
Renowned film director and screenwriter Balu Kiriyath concluded the session with a heartfelt note, marking a memorable exchange of ideas and experiences.
