Film collaborations are language agnostic: NFDC member

The Indian film market has the potential to collaborate with other countries, but our filmmakers need to make films that can cater to international audiences, says Vikramjit Roy, a member of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). He feels film collaborations are "language agnostic".

"Given the story base and talent we have, India will definitely play a crucial role to collaborate with all other BRICS members - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. India has that potential," Roy said at the panel discussion titled "BRICS Co-production: The Way Forward" here at the 1st BRICS Film Festival on Monday.

"Collaboration is language agnostic. Being a government institution, National Film Development Corporation is the domestic body that develops and produces cinema in India. 

"There has to be a clarity of thought between the director and the producer as to why they are collaborating, what leverages they will get through this collaboration. The film stories need to be appreciated from both sides," added Roy, who has worked as an executive producer for films like "Qissa: The Tale of a lonely Ghost", "Manjhi: The Mountain Man", "Sunrise" and "Island City".

Roy believes that the Indian film market is very similar to Hollywood as here, more than the government support, private production houses are backing films.

"Most of our filmmakers are telling their different stories primarily to domestic audiences. It's very rare that somebody is actually stepping out and wanting to collaborate with an international collaborator," he said.

"But, more and more we have a growing indie sector, where young independent filmmakers from across the country are willing to have conversations will international talent," he added.

Roy was joined by Russian producer Mikhail Bashkatov, South African director Meg Rickards, Brazilian producer Heloisa Jinzenji and Chinese director Huo Jianqi at the panel discussion.

The 1st BRICS Film Festival, which is part of the special events planned in the run-up to the 8th BRICS Summit to be held in India, kickstarted here at Siri Fort Auditorium Complex on September 2. It will come to an end on Tuesday.