Most Marathi filmmakers with IFFI entries reluctant to pull out

PUNE: Marathi filmmakers, whose works have been selected in the Indian Panorama section of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, are reluctant to withdraw their entries as a way of protest against dropping of "Nude" from the event line-up.

In the wake of the information & broadcasting ministry's decision to drop director Ravi Jadhav's film 'Nude' from the list of the selected movies, some Marathi artists, directors and producers were contemplating pulling out of the event.

While seven Marathi movies were selected for the festival, "Ventilator" and "Kaasav" were direct entries by virtue of their national awards.

Yogesh Soman, producer-director of "Majha Bhirbhira", vehemently opposed such a move. "I am in the industry for 30 years and this is for the first time my film has been selected for the festival. It was my dream to see my film being screened at the festival. And when I see my dream is coming true, I will not step back," he told TOI on Thursday.

"People are talking about the two films that were dropped. But there's not a word on the films that have been selected. It's unfair," Soman said.

Nitin Vaidya, producer of "Muramba", said, "Boycotting a festival is not the solution. We will attend the festival, showcase our work and discuss the issue at the platform. Filmmakers will stage a protest at the venue in a creative way."

Prasad Oak, director of "Kachcha Limbu", another Marathi selection, said boycotting the festival was never an option. He said, "There are many ways of protesting other than boycotting the event. We are exploring ways to raise the issue at the platform."

Navalkishor Sarda, producer of "Redu", said the filmmakers would participate in the festival, but declined to comment on the controversy.

Manouj Kadaamh, director of "Kshitij A Horizon", said the filmmakers would not stay away from the festival and the screening would take place as per the schedule.