Gangtok:20th March:The 2nd day of Sikkim International Film Festival, was marked by SIFF Market sessions for Creative economy , at Chintan Bhawan. The Film Festival organised by State Information & Public Relations deptt, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting with National Film Development Corporation, has attracted related experts from Film Industry across the country as well as from Bhutan and Nepal.
The panel dicussions with simultaneous sessions focussed on Strengthening Films in Sikkim, Crafting Independent Cinema, Actors in Conversation and more
The First session Speakers included Chairman Sikkim Film Board Tashi Tshering Bhutia, Secretary IPR cum SIFF Director Annapurna Alley, Prashant Rasaily , FilmMaker Tribeni Rai, Producer Adith Prasanna,Fim Producer Jomon Jacob .Producer – CEO Producers Guild of India Nitin Tej Ahuja . It was moderated by D Rohit.
To begin with Film Maker Tribeni Rai highlighted the challenges she faced in Sikkim,while her famous movie Shape of momo was being produced.Prashant Rasaily stressed on lack of sufficient human resources here.
Chairman,highlighted the incentives given with a few conditions to be met .And disclosed that soon Govt will be considering feasibility of skilling technicians and others for films in particular also.The solutions to issue raised were also discussed.
SIFF Director Annapurna Alley assured those with certain issues to visit Deptt and see the required forms also to ascertain ,if eligible.She also said watching movies in halls or not is a personal choice.
The point lamented upon included disappearance of Cinema’ literacy and lack of Cinema culture.
While during discussion on crafting Independent Cinema -Chairman Ashit Rai said ‘ Not many movie goers are there in Sikkim.Govt had been giving incentives to aspiring,they are encouraged.It will take a good shape in future.Ashit said that good films need to be crafted to divert attention of our GenZ from mobile phones.
Abhay Punjabi said Independent Cinema ( film making) is like taking a risk.You have to do Direction Production ,writing everything and never know the outcome.He also talked about the big role of distributors in making it all a success in the end.
Experienced Film maker Samten Bhutia, referring to IT in relation to the industry said ‘ AI etc are tools to be used but one should become a tool for those instead.He said those who need help want to know of incentives ,given by Govt of India should visit their website .
There were some close door sessions.
Besides it movies were screened free of cost for public in PVR 1 and 2.
The SIFF will go on till 22,with focus on marketing,as per the schedule available so far.
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