Mumbai: The 18th Edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) hosted an engaging panel discussion today on “From Script to Screen: The Challenges and Triumphs of International Co-Production.” The session explored the intricate process of cross-border collaborations in filmmaking, addressing the complexities and triumphs encountered from screenplay to screen.
The panel featured an esteemed lineup of speakers including Prithul Kumar, Festival Director & Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; Nila Madhab Panda, Padma Shri awardee and acclaimed documentary maker; Golda Sellam, Film Consultant, Programmer, and Producer based in France; Nilotpal Majumdar, President of Documentary Resource Initiative; and Yuri Aleksei, Director General, Belarusfilm. The discussion was moderated by Arfi Lamba, Actor & Producer.
Nila Madhab Panda emphasized the importance of Indian filmmakers identifying stories that have international appeal. He highlighted the availability of funding from the Western world, while noting the lengthy processes involved. Panda advised filmmakers to participate in prestigious film festivals such as Cannes to attract global attention and funding.
Golda Sellam pointed out the significant international market ready to fund competitive and unique documentaries. She stressed the importance of a compelling story to transcend borders and achieve global success.
Nilotpal Majumdar discussed the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, particularly in securing funding. He called on the Indian government to support young, talented filmmakers to help them realize their creative visions and make impactful films.
Prithul Kumar outlined the Indian government’s efforts to create a supportive ecosystem for filmmakers through various initiatives. He announced the inaugural doc-film-bazaar at MIFF, where filmmakers can meet top producers and pitch their films and ideas. Kumar reiterated the government’s commitment to documentary filmmaking, emphasizing its significance on the government agenda.
Yuri Aleksei shared insights on the initiatives of the Republic of Belarus to support filmmakers. He revealed that the Belarusian government is developing an action plan to facilitate collaborative efforts and expressed eagerness to work with Indian filmmakers.
The panel concluded with a consensus on the immense benefits of international collaboration, including access to a diverse talent pool, financial resources, and global distribution channels. The speakers collectively underscored the necessity of fostering an environment that supports and nurtures international co-productions for the growth and enrichment of the global film industry.
The discussion not only shed light on the multifaceted challenges of international co-productions but also highlighted the opportunities and strategies for overcoming them, providing invaluable insights for filmmakers and industry professionals.
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