Attend a film screening that puts the spotlight on budding indie filmmakers

The event will also discuss FAQs on starting filmmaking from the scratch and funding your film

It is only when the indie film ecosystem in India manages to find a firm footing for itself that the hegemony of masala Bollywood films will face any sort of challenge. But for that to happen, the independent cinema fraternity needs to mobilise its forces in the uphill battle against the giants of the Hindi film industry. And First Cut, an event that puts the spotlight on promising low-budget movies, is an effort aimed towards that end.

A still from Maacher Jhol

"Everybody thinks that funding is the primary constraint when it comes to indie films. But we are trying to find some structure to overcome this problem. So, we have started an initiative called Cinemapreneur, where we put knowledge about funding outlets in the hands of indie filmmakers," says Gaurav Raturi, founder of Filmbooth, which is hosting the event. He adds that four films by promising filmmakers will be screened at First Cut. These are Abhishek Verma's Maacher Jhol, Pankul Gupta's Bhalla Brothers Presents, Muhammad Aasim Qamar's Muftanosh, and Shanivaar Ko Do Baje by Parimal Aloke. That apart, the event will also include discussions on the basics of indie filmmaking, where some of the directors and cast members of the four films will share their views on the subject.

In a nutshell, then, the event is aimed at giving a leg-up to people who make movies, but still exist outside the fringes of Bollywood. They have the potential to shape filmmaking in India, but have their hands tied unless they have the right people rallying around them.

ON: Today, 4 pm
AT: Fun Republic Social, Andheri West.
LOG ON TO: insider.in
COST: Rs 249

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