Following the popularity and success of the first edition of Mumbai Women's International Film Festival (MWIFF), preparations have kicked off for its second edition this year. The festival, which offers an important and much-needed platform to female filmmakers in India, many who still haven't managed to find the popularity and success they deserve, is expected to offer an enriching experience to movie lovers.
Avinash V Pawar, director, MWIFF says collecting funds hasn't been an easy task for him. "Sponsors we have roped in are interested about the benefits they earns. 'Will sponsoring your festival help us see a spurt in the number of cars sold?' someone had asked me. But I'm not disheartened, for we will face such barriers for at least 5 years. Things will be smooth post that," he said.
Interestingly, MWIFF won't just focus on films selected for public screenings this year. As Avinash tells us, the festival will also look into the different aspects of filmmaking. "We will be focusing on importance of music in films, and women and their contribution to the diversity in the industry. Since there aren't too many channels facilitating online distribution in filmmaking, we are also looking into it. I feel there is a huge possibility for growth in online distribution, therefore, it will be the main feature of the festival."
And to ensure cine goers have a memorable experience, the festival director has decided to also use outdoor locations. "Besides screening films in theaters this year, outdoor locations are also being considered. Since the festival will happen in December, the weather will be pleasant, and facilitate open-air screening of films. So we yes, we have finalized Gateway of India and Girgaum Chowpatty for the festival. So yes, we are also planning open air screening for one day each."
Avinash says the innovative programming will entertain and inspire audiences and feature groundbreaking events and films. "Last year, we had only focused on short, documentary and feature films. For the second edition, we have decided to divide films in 2 categories - short and full length. To make the experience more enriching, we will be organizing Master Class along with 'Q and A' session with popular filmmakers. Our Master Class session will include Industry Conference Programme and discussions on topics such as big equity and finance in films."
Familiar with the problems that independent filmmaker face in raising funds, Avinash will help them by inviting producers from UTV, Yash Raj Films - to speak on the same to independent filmmakers. "Yes, we are also focusing on Gorilla style of filmmaking and marketing. We will also guide independent different about the steps involved from creating a story to converting it into a 70mm project.
This year, the jury panel constitutes Nupur Asthana, Devika Bhagat, Manisha Korde, Shibani Bhatija, Nirmal Jani, Deepa Bhatia and Olivier Delahaye.
Such has been the impact of the forth-coming festival that about entries for 325 films have already been received under competition category (Short Films, Feature Film, Documentary Film) within 3 months of call for submissions. It is interesting to note that the festival has received over 2 films each from 62 countries - US, Uk, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Chile, Hongkong, Singapore, France, China, UAE, Iran, Israel, Hungary, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, Russia and Turkey.
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