A R Rahman graced the 3rd day of the 10th NFDC Film Bazaar 2016, and discussed in detail the process of creating the “Live –In – VR Experience” of his performance of “Vande Mataram” being screened at the Virtual Reality Lounge powered by Samsung Gear VR in the Knowledge Series, as well as the experience of virtual reality as a whole.
“We had made the video, and we felt like NFDC Film Bazaar is a very interesting place. I felt very good attending the Bazaar last time, and so we decided to premiere the VR experience here,” he said.
Moderated by producer, director & author Nasreen Munni Kabir, it was a highly interactive session where Rahman & the audience shared their opinions on the technology of the future. The Virtual Reality Lounge has received overwhelming attention at Film Bazaar 2016, with Chris Milk’s films enjoying a special popularity, including his animated film Evolution of Verse.
Delighted with the response, Director Finance, NFDC, N J Shaikh, said, “Again a memorable day as predicted! The star attraction of the day was AllahRakha Rahman’s presence to share his VR experience which had the crowd totally charged up! The other major highlight was Philip Lee’s session at the Producer’s Lab. The other eminent speakers also added sparkle to the day & there was excitement & anticipation in the air, which was very palpable. VR Lounge, Viewing Room & Industry screening continued to attract maximum footfalls, all in all a very enriching day at the Film Bazaar.”
Besides Allah Rakha Rahman filmmakers like Nagraj Manjule (Marathi film Sairat), Bhaskar Hazarika (Assamese film, Kothanodi) & Raam Reddy (Kannada film, Thithi) engaged in a discussion about depicting stories set in small towns in an authentic way. “When I came to the Bazaar a few years ago with Fandry, it opened up so many avenues for me,” Nagraj Manjule said. “Shyam Benegal and many other filmmakers saw my film, which created so many opportunities. It’s a very important platform.” he added.
Director Aanand L. Rai, who attended the Film Bazaar for the 1st time ever this year, participated in a discussion he said, “What is very promising about Film Bazaar is that it has given a platform to original voices. For me, Film Bazaar is one of the most important initiatives for the filmmakers, and I am very sure that this is the place where we will find our future filmmakers.”
The director picked up Nil Battey Sannata (Film Bazaar Recommends & WIP, 2015) for national release and has returned this year with his film Nimmo, (a part of Film Bazaar Recommends & WIP, 2016). As for his expectations from Film Bazaar 2016, he said, “I’m just hoping for a great experience for my director. I also hope the purity of the filmmakers here will rub off on me as well.”
“I’d like to thank NFDC Film Bazaar for giving me the opportunity to elaborate on virtual reality and the extent of its potential,” said Avinash Changa, CEO, WeMakeVR, who presented on “Technology In Storytelling for Cinema” and spoke at length about the varied possible uses of virtual reality technology ranging from immersive film experiences to travel to therapy.
The 1st half of the day included the Investors’ Pitch for Film Bazaar Recommends Part 2 in which several film trailers were presented, including Atanu Mukherjee’s Rukh, featuring Manoj Bajpayee. There was also a discussion on “Ownership of the Film: The Chain of Documents That A Finished Film Must Have” with panellists Madhu Gadodia (Equity Partner, Naik Naik & Company), Datta Dave (Partner Tulsea Pictures) & Michael Henrichs (Producer), moderated by media specialist and author Vanita Kohli Khandekar & Technology Changing Production Landscape with VP & Head Sales-APAC, Prime Focus moderated by Nyay Bhushan (India Correspondent, Hollywood Reporter).
The Day 3 lunch was sponsored by Tamil Nadu & cocktail was sponsored by Qubewire (Online KDM & DCP Delivery Service) and Government of Karnataka.
