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A unique forum

Calling film lovers A still from the festival

For long, film making was considered out of reach of ordinary people.

Cameras and film stock were prohibitively expensive and the whole process of making a film required expertise.

But with the digital era, anyone who owns a digital camcorder can make a film now.

Though many took to making short films, what was lacking in the city so far was a forum where these aspiring film makers could screen their films and have them discussed.

This is where the Bangalore Roof Top Film Festival (BRTFF) comes in providing a space for these aspiring film makers to interact. The sixth edition of the BRTFF was held recently at the British Council.

Conceptualised by Hrish Thota, a software professional based in the city, and Raghunandan K. S, who works in the advertisement industry, the first edition of the BRTFF was held in July 2007 when 50 people gathered together and six independent films were screened.

The enthusiastic bunch has grown marginally with close to 70 people participating in the latest edition.

A total of 11 films were screened .

“I first heard about the rooftop film festival when it took place in Chennai and I wanted to do something similar in Bangalore to provide an avenue for film makers to show and talk about their films,” says Thota.

After the screening, a discussion follows with the film maker on the techniques used and also an analysis of the plot.

Bharat Murthy, a young film maker screened three of his films at the BRTFF.

He says : “The discussions have boosted my confidence levels. I have got several ideas now and will be soon making an independent film on my own.”

Thota has also been conducting film making workshops and with Raghunandan has founded Flaunge, a production house that makes short films.

“We have made a few documentaries so far including one on the Olive Ridley turtle for Greenpeace,” he adds.

The majority of the participants at the BRTFF have been software professionals so far with an interest in film making.

“Our future plans include inviting a few eminent directors to discuss film making techniques with us and also to have more film making workshops,” says Thota.

For more details on the BRTFF you can contact Hrish Thota at 9845150845 or Raghunandan at 9241763935.

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