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Bring back the golden days of silver screen PEOPLESPEAK

The recent International Film Festival of Kerala was a crowd-puller. This is indeed a matter of pride for those involved with serious cinema in the State. The festival’s stupendous show can be linked to the quality of content. More films from other countries were screened this time, which in turn evoked more interest. Such initiatives should be promoted as they facilitate a close understanding of these countries’ culture. Also, if a film does well in box-office, it should be ‘disqualified’ from such festivals. Seminars involving directors, lyricists, choreographers and other technicians that were held as part of the festival too were much appreciated.

However, it must be mentioned that Indian language films received lukewarm response.

Krishna K. Nambiar

Poonithura

Arguably, the magnitude of Kerala’s patronage of international films is unique for the country. However, this does not ensure the economic sustainability of film-making. Cinema does influence people and create enthusiasts, but cannot set standards of appreciation that everyone may be expected to follow.

Trying to instil appreciation of serious cinema in the public will distract cinema from the prime aim of being a self-sustaining medium of entertainment, vying for recovery of investment.

For this purpose, it is essential to ensure that the theme, plot and presentation are such that popularity can be reasonably certain. Thus, cinema will be what a majority of the people wants it to be, balancing aesthetics and enlightenment against variety, popularity and economic viability.

Encouraging offbeat, parallel cinema to satisfy its enthusiasts, alongside patronising run-of-the-mill stuff will help keep the industry afloat.

Devraj Sambasivan

Alappuzha

Next to reading, films have the potential to create a sense of oneness among the masses. More so among the young generation. So, people should get the opportunity to see good films. Classical films have a common language. They create a deep-rooted passion in the minds of viewers the world over. The joys and sorrows of Appu and Durga in the black-and-white film ‘Pather Panchali’ stirred the imagination of viewers 50 years ago. Satyajit Ray created this film without any songs, except a mute undertone of BGM. Still, film lovers from different corners of the world accepted it with much admiration. So, there is a strong case for holding international film festivals at different locations so that people can avail themselves of the opportunity to see and make use of this facility.

A.K. Jayarajan

Thondayad

Modern age is characterised by speed, instant gratification , restlessness and above all crass commercialism. It is no wonder that public patronage of performing arts, theatre and serious cinema is on the decline. The advent of television channels, internet and mobile phones have weaned the youth away from the ‘snail-paced’ traditional media. Commercial viability has become the key to the survival of any medium of entertainment.

The demographic profile of India indicates that the next few decades will belong to the youth. Any medium of entertainment will survive and flourish only if it has the backing of the youth. The proponents of serious cinema should strive to make the medium attractive to the youth. For instance, the medium should adopt the latest technology and deal with those themes that appeal to the youth. Film appreciation clubs should be set up in schools and colleges. Socially-relevant movies do not attach importance to music. But, youth love music. Makers of serious cinema should take into account this reality also.

Once the medium becomes popular, commercial sponsorship will follow.

V.N. Mukundarajan

Thiruvananthapuram

In Kerala, the Film Society Movement has done a lot to promote good cinema. Till recently, world classics were shown in school auditoriums and open spaces in remote villages using 16 mm projectors. Symposiums and debates were arranged to create awareness about good films. People’s movements like ‘Odessa,’ produced films with public participation.

Now, film making is big business. The 12th International Film Festival, Kerala, was a success in many aspects. About 8,000 delegates, most of them youngsters, took part in the week-long festival. This enthusiasm must be tapped to promote good cinema, for which the government and Chalachithra Academy have a major role to play. Students’ film clubs can be formed in all schools. Film societies, which were active till recently, can be revived by providing grants. Promotion of film literature is another area which needs attention.

Jayarajan Kalpetta

Thiruvananthapuram

Film festivals help one get acquainted with the latest trends in world cinema. Language barriers fall apart here and the best films are chosen mostly based on artistic values. The fact that IFFK ran to packed houses is testimony to the public’s passion for serious cinema. Such festivals should be held in more places, more often.

K.P. Karunakaran Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

The response to the IFFK was overwhelming. People must be provided such avenues to watch world cinema more often. Government must formulate a society primarily for the exhibition of good cinema, ideally administered by the KSFDC.

At present there is limited scope for those from outside Thiruvananthapuram to see such films. So, the KSFDC must open its own cinema houses in all districts. Till then, a deal can be reached with private theatres to screen such films in all districts.

Cinema can be made popular only when the price of ticket is reasonable. For this, there should be huge concessions on entertainment tax.

G. Muraleedharan

Vattiyoorkavu

Good cinema educates viewers. They learn something beneficial through enjoyment. Filmmakers should focus on the story – let it be the pivot. It should be coherent, realistic. The common man goes to the cinema to be entertained. So, horror scenes, bloodshed and vile language are best avoided. They will only serve to have an adverse impact on children. A good story which has a message to convey will strike a chord with the viewers.

N. Ramachandran

Vakkom

In Kerala, it was boom time for film societies in the 70s. The movement could nurture good cinema culture as well as an enlightened audience. The good work done by those youngsters could not be sustained for long. Advent of electronic media and lack of theatres to exhibit art films are two prime reasons. The almost-extinct film society moment will have to be revived with, among other things, a permanent venue for screening. An awareness programme should be launched by the cultural organisations so as to attract more youngsters to good cinema.

V.P. Ramesan

Tripunithura

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