Thiruvananthapuram: Lack of funding and the inability to secure theatrical releases are major obstacles for filmmakers in the country, said independent directors whose films are featured at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2024.
"The market is not favorable to independent filmmakers. It's impossible to get a theatrical release, and the money offered by OTT platforms is a pittance, which can't be openly discussed," said Subhadra Mahajan, director of ‘Second Chance'. "I was told to forget about a theatrical release, and as for OTTs, they don't care about the best reviews or recognition at top film festivals."
Mahajan praised Kerala for its commercial support of well-made and festival films, calling the state an exception in India. "I'm excited for my film to be screened here. Other states should take a cue from Kerala's appreciation of cinema and filmmakers."
Meera Sahib, a longtime assistant director to Adoor Gopalakrishnan and moderator of the session, noted that independent filmmakers in Kerala have their own well-attended festivals. He suggested filmmakers from other states should unite to expand such organizations.
Many directors in the session shared that limited budgets and small crews were significant challenges. Mahajan explained that her film, ‘Second Chance', which focuses on healing, struggled to secure funding. "We had to make the film on a microbudget with just 12 people in the crew," she said.
Afrad VK, director of ‘Riptide', said the film originated from his student days in media school. "Funding was a limitation, but I received help from two producers to complete it."
Aaryan Chandraprakash, director of ‘Ajoor', filmed in rural Bihar, emphasized that the film's selection at the festival was inspiring for low-budget filmmakers. "Money was an issue, but if you have a dream, everything will fall into place," he said.
Mithun Murali, director of ‘Kiss Wagon', explained that the film was made by three people with 14 songs and 2,500 shots. "As independent filmmakers, we can't afford big scenes like car chases or plane crashes," he added.