 "NFDC’s Prakash Magdum: ‘It is our duty to preserve the cinematic heritage of our country, make it accessible…’ | Not Just Bollywood")
In conversation with Firstpost, Prakash Magdum, MD of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), talks about supporting Indian independent filmmakers as the prime objective and promoting Indian cinema worldwide.
Edited excerpts of the interview:
What are the changes that you plan to bring about?
The mandate has become very comprehensive. Supporting the Indian independent filmmakers has been the primary objective of NFDC, which we will continue to do. At the same time, we also want to promote Indian cinema worldwide. We will work hard to preserve the cinematic heritage of our country. Apart from restoration and preservation that is done through NFDC-NFAI, we have to make cinema accessible.
How is IFFI going to help budding filmmakers?
IFFI always had two sections, the Indian panorama and the international section, that will be a part of the setup. At the same time, Film Bazaar is an important activity that happens during IFFI. A lot of budding filmmakers have emerged out of Film Bazaar.
Cinema is also changing. There are films made for the theatrical, for OTT, and some for the festivals. What do you have to say about that benefit?
Both theatrical releases as well as the streaming platforms we are exploring. In fact, we just have signed an agreement with Amazon where the NFDC filmography can be seen on its platform. We also are in talks with Prasar Bharati that has its own OTT platform called Waves OTT.
Women’s roles are also changing in cinema; what do you have to say about that bit of it?
Yes, while we have always had strong women characters in films like Mother India, Bandini and many more, now we are seeing women in a totally evolved arc. We need to support women writers and technicians as well. At Film Bazaar we will explore how to make screenwriter’s lab and other verticals more inclusive.
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