Cinemapreneur launches OTT platform for Indian independent films

In a shot in the arm for independent filmmaking in India, Cinemapreneur has launched a transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) platform for curated independent cinema, which includes shorts, features and documentaries.

The choice between a theatrical release and a direct-to-OTT release has been the subject of debate in recent times. However, for independent cinema the choices have always been limited as the lack of budgets means a theatrical release is usually out of the question, relegating them largely to the festival circuit. Releasing films has always been a cumbersome job for indie filmmakers.

Cinemapreneur hopes to change that with the launch of its TVOD platform. Users can stream the films by paying for individual content and the majority of the revenue goes back to the filmmakers.

Speaking about the platform, founder Gaurav Raturi said, “We want to make festival films more accessible and create a market for indie films outside just these avenues. Such films are screened once and go unseen by the public eye after that. With Cinemapreneur, this system can change. We are trying to empower indie filmmakers and help them release their films hassle-free.“

Cinemapreneur hopes to empower filmmakers by providing an online platform that is easily accessible while keeping the spotlight on individual films through the pay-per-view system. With a transparent monetization cycle, the platform ensures that creators maintain autonomy over their work and when users pay for a film, they support filmmakers directly.

The works that will be featured on Cinemapreneur when it goes live next month include award-winning films like Anirban Dutta’s Jahnabi and Chandan Sen’s Mayadweep (An Island Of Illusion), which are riveting socio-political commentaries on humanity, and Mujeer Pasha’s incisive short Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh, which explores the dynamics of queer relationships. There is also Prateek Prajosh’s Mrs Nambiar: More Than ‘Just’ A Teacher, an intimate documentary that examines the life of its National award-winning protagonist.

Cinemapreneur is open to filmmakers across all categories and has put out a call for entries. Feature films, short films and documentaries can be submitted on www.cinemapreneur.com or at hello@cinemapreneur.com. The platform will be launched next month.