‘India’s film culture needs a push’

KOLHAPUR: Veteran film critic Sudhir Nandgaonkar has said despite making great quality cinema at the regional, national and international level, the film culture in the country needs a push. He was speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the third Kolhapur International Film Festival at Shahu Smarak Bhavan on Saturday.
Nandgaonkar was conferred with the Chitramaharshi Anandrao Painter Award for his active role in film society movement across the country.
“We have witnessed literature and theatre culture movements at different parts of the country. But there has been no film culture movement in the recent years. It needs to be increased at various parts of the country and that too with the participation of youth,” he said.
Talking about the importance of film culture movement and film societies, he said cinema can be seen or thoroughly enjoyed. “If the audiences want true cinematic experience, it could be done only through meaningful cinema. Film societies could develop ordinary audience into the passionate ones through right cinema,” Nandgaonkar said.
On getting the award, he said, “Painter lived his dream of working for cinema. I am honoured and delighted to be conferred with this award.”
Talking about the current status of Marathi cinema, Nandgaonkar said, “Marathi cinema is evolving leaps and bound. Due to its variation in content, it is being appreciated worldwide.”
After noted actor-director Amol Palekar turned down the organizers’ requested to be the chief guest citing personal reasons, former state information commissioner Vijay Kuvalekar inaugurated the ceremony.
Kuvalekar said, “Film festivals like this provide a great platform to various subjects. Cinema is for the audience and can be learned from the festivals only.”
Vijay Patkar, the newly-elected president of Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, said, “After successfully hosting international film festivals in the city earlier, the organisers should be proud that it is no longer the domain of cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. Kolhapur too is shining brightly on this front.”
Kalamaharsi Baburao Painter Film Society along with the All India Marathi Film Corporation (Kolhapur) is jointly organizing the festival that will conclude on December 27.
The seven-day festival will screen films from China, South Korea, Iran, France, Taiwan, Israel, Brazil, Italy and the UK.
Malayalam, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada and Assamese films will also be screened during the festival. Awards such as best director, best director (viewers’ choice), best actor and best script would be given after the festival.
Some movies of late Marathi director Anant Mane will also be screened at the festival.