Filmmaker Indranil Banerjee was recently selected as one of the 4 top programmers from across the world at the 44th Durban International Film Festival. He has been actively a part of international film festivals as a jury or in other positions.
Talking to Prateek Sur, Indranil Banerjee speaks up about his journey and representing India at such prestigious festivals, and lots more. Excerpts:
What’s your mantra as a filmmaker?
Quentin Tarantino once said if you just love movies enough, you can make a good one. That's what I believe as a filmmaker. From Ray to Cameron I had learn storytelling to camera tactics by watching films.
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What’s the feeling of becoming a jury at such prestigious film festivals?
When I first became a jury at Los Angeles Cinefest the feeling was surreal. I can’t express in words how I felt not only for the position but for the incredible movies I will see. Later I became a jury at Hollywood International Short Film Festival, The Seattle Film Festival (USA), and Sarno International Film Festival (Italy). So many fabulous films and so tough to select the best ones. The most difficult part is giving verdicts to the winners.
Do you get to see Bengali films as part of such film festivals?
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I feel extremely proud when I see Bengali films in these film Festivals. For example, when I saw ‘Avijatrik’ at the Seattle Film Festival and gave a winning verdict in 3 categories it felt great. The film later won two National Awards.
Tell us about Durban International Film Festival. How did that happen?
44th Durban International Film Festival is the world’s most prestigious one and when I got a call from the Festival Authority and was informed that I have been selected as the official programmer I felt blessed. I was also the lucky one, as they selected only four programmers in the world. My category is feature films which are the best loveable work I like to do apart from filmmaking.
‘Ujjhyo’s poster will be released on Valentine’s Day…
My recent Award-winning Short ‘Ujjhyo - The Unsaid’ Official Poster will be revealed on 14th Feb. This film is going to stream from May at the world’s top OTTs like my other films. Till now ‘Ujjhyo’ received 18 prestigious National and International awards and 16 official selections and screening worldwide. It went to Sambhav International Traveling Film Festival which is from MAVA [Men Against Violence And Abuse]. The film will be screened in Feb with other top 5 films.
Who has been that person who has always believed in you?
I would like to thank my producer Maitrayee De for believing in me.
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What’s next?
I am coming up with a series and also doing AD films for various companies which I love ad well apart from filmmaking.
