Actor Anant Nag is the guest of honour at the inauguration of the 11th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) on Friday. In an interview with Nina C George, Anant Nag shares his thoughts about films and film festivals.
How is it to be a part of BIFFes this year?
It is privilege to be invited to such a prestigious event.
Which films would you rate as your all-time favourites?
I have always enjoyed watching films of David Lean: Doctor Zhivago, Ryan’s Daughter, Lawrence of Arabia and A Passage to India.
How do think young filmmakers will benefit from such film festivals?
Most of them follow a formula, and think songs, fights, and comedy make a good film. But the way to make something original is to present it beautifully and aesthetically. And if they succeed it becomes something new. There are a lot of things to learn from such festivals.
What is are the big advances you have seen in cinema?
We have new cameras, equipment and lighting. Earlier, we used film but now there is no film, it is just a tape, so there’s really no wastage of film. With these advantages, our youngsters should make newer films. Filmmaking must not only entertain but also educate, enlighten and inform people.
How do you think filmmaking has changed in the era of Netflix and Amazon Prime?
These are only outlets. But the creative aspect is totally up to the individual filmmaker.
Do Indian films have good international reach?
Indian cinema is not recognised worldwide, and Amazon Prime and Netflix are the only marketing windows to present Indian films. More of our films should also go to foreign film festivals.
Not many Indian films make it to the international level...
That’s because we are not concentrating on creating new themes and stories. Most of our stories are catering to a captive market with formula filmmaking, which is a wrong way. So, filmmaking is not just entertainment, it is enlightenment and education.