IFFI: Indian Panorama non-feature jury members flay OTT platforms, liken Netflix, Amazon Prime to mafia

The Indian Panorama non-feature jury, chaired by SV Rajendra Singh Babu, slammed over-the-top (OTT) platforms as well as the lackadaisical approach of the government towards non-feature and regional film in a press conference on the second day of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Panaji, Goa.

The discussion began calmly enough with filmmaker SV Rajendra Singh Babu describing the process of film selection. He said, "We had received 240 films. Even before the pandemic, it was the same number of films. Some films have been made on corona, the pandemic situation of working from home, and the conflicts in the work-from-home situation. We have seen the censor certificate before the films were submitted. Therefore, OTT films were not taken into consideration. Maybe now they may go to OTT."

A total of 24 films were selected out of the 240 that had been submitted to be screened at the film festival. 

This led to questions about the lack of platforms to showcase non-feature films specifically. S Nallamuthu, a jury member, replied, "As a documentary filmmaker, I have been working for the past 20 years. There are very few filmmakers who come from India. Over the last 15 years, I have invested my own money, and then you have to meet international standards to be recognized internationally. It is a difficult thing that I go through."

Nallamuthu pointed out that his choice of making a wildlife film was defined by the niche subject and an interest in documentaries on tigers. He added, "I was telling the ministry that they should make a platform — Doordarshan or whatever — because it is very important that all these filmmakers get a platform; otherwise it is difficult."

The filmmaker added that OTT platforms aren't interested in showcasing Indian documentaries either. He said, "We thought OTT would give us all an opportunity. Especially those in wildlife when we watch big films like Planet Earth and Attenboroughs, the big scales (sic) but OTTs have hardly any documentaries on wildlife because they are subscription-based."

Jury member Gyan Sahay said the problem extended to regional cinema as well. He said, "India has so many regional dialects and languages which find it impossible to find a screen. Especially, if you don't have a star cast.

"When I make a film in a regional language, we don't get a screen. There is a Doordarshan channel. It should be used. If these films win a National award, but people never see them. What is the use of these awards?" he asked. 

Implying that the government is not entirely at fault, he said, "The minister did ask us for feedback, but where do we give it?" 

Incidentally, information & broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur had promised a single point of contact for filmmakers, the Film Facilitation Office. This office is meant to make it easier for industries to obtain shooting permissions. Whether this extends to production, distribution and management is not yet known. 

Sahay bemoaned having to spend from his own pocket for two of his films. Giving the example of the opening film of the Indian Panorama, Semkhor, he said, "This film, Semkhor, is so beautiful, and in a language [Dimasa] very few know. How many people would want to watch it? Even in Assam, people wouldn't know the language, forget the rest of the country. It is the language of a district. Now, they can show it. You have subtitles and a platform here. But showing it only in Goa and Delhi does not improve viewership, and any filmmaker losing money like this will get scolded if he goes home." 

SV Rajendra Singh Babu added, "OTT platforms completely neglect regional content. I appreciate the minister speaking about regional content. In Karnataka, we have the best content available. Unfortunately, we cannot reach Netflix or Amazon. They have agents. It has become a mafia!"

Incidentally, this is the first year that IFFI has welcomed the participation of OTT platforms with Netflix and Amazon specifically holding a lineup of events to attract audiences.

"We have to work out a mechanism on how to get our right. They are bringing films from Spain, Canada, Yugoslavia (sic). They are putting their films on our audience," he said.

He also implied that corruption runs rampant in the selection of these films, saying, "Who are we to contact? They are all agents, and they want 2% and 5%. We can't meet them finally, and they reject the film at last." 

The chairman added that he had written to the Karnataka chief minister and the home department regarding this issue. He said, "The home department can stop their screening. If they want to, they can. We have requested the CM to make a regulation. If they are screening 10 films, at least two films they have to screen of regional cinema." 

He also added that the I&B minister has promised him a meeting in December, along with the Karnataka CM, where the issue would be raised. SV Rajendra Singh Babu said, "We may not make a Rs400 to Rs500 crore Bollywood film, but we can challenge with our content! But who is to bell the cat?"