Film Bazaar, launch pad for regional film makers

Kannada film makers trying to carve a niche for themselves in the international arena could benefit from National Film Development Corporation's (NFDC) Film Bazaar.

Even as regional film makers find it hard to showcase their work to an international audience, Deepti D’Cunha, Consultant for Work-in-Progress and Viewing Room - Film Bazaar said there are an array of opportunities at the bazaar to market talents.

D’Cunha, in the City for the seventh edition of the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFES), is also trying to hoist regional film makers into international film festivals. Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, she said Film Bazaar has become a meeting platform for film makers.

“Even big names in the commercial film industry are picking up script writers from here. The second films of several script writers who have shared their work with Film Bazaar are mostly with big producers,” Deepti said.

Citing an example, she said the film, ‘Attihannu Mattu Kanaja’ by Prakash Babu, which has made its way to the Asian Competition Section, was in the Work-in-Progress Lab - Film Bazaar. After looking at its potential, it was recommended that the NFDC support it. Through this platform, film makers will also be able to find investors.

More often than not, films get stuck at sound production for want of funds. “We have been able to bring in investors to help makers complete their films. There have been investors providing funds up to Rs One crore, pitching in for the entire budget of a film,” she added.