PANAJI: Renowned Indo-American filmmaker Mira Nair today stressed the need to enhance content, message and value in screenplay writing besides production standards to usher India into an era of world class film making.
Addressing the media at the ongoing IFFI where 16 of her films are being screened in a retrospective, she said India has got tremendous talent in all areas of film making which needs to be supplemented with more impetus on providing thought provoking stories, subjects and themes. She added that script forms the real foundation of the film.
Underlining the importance of riguor and rhythm in making of films which makes viewers’ heart beat not only in the country but throughout the world, she said that experiencing day to day life in India and abroad provides her an opportunity and creates a vision to work on films with universal appeal. She said that problems and issues concerning under privileged people at the grassroots would always be the priorities in her films one way or the other.
Eminent writer Sooni Taraporevala, actor Nana Patekar, Shafi Syed and Dinaz Stafford were also present on the occasion.
Replying to a question, Nair said her upcoming film “Reluctant Fundamentalist” based on Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid’s story, would help her put forth her viewpoint in respect of issues like Islamophobia in the Western world, especially in the South Asian perspective. She hoped several Pakistani actors would join her in this film project.
Nair revealed she has set up the Maisha School of Film Teaching in East Africa where student filmmakers are provided an opportunity to work with the young but experienced filmmakers. She also said she is planning to return to India and said her whole team looks forward to contribute in imparting training to the upcoming filmmakers in the country for making cinema better and rich.
Nana Patekar said common viewers would always love and respect films with good, rich and value based content.
Dinaz Stafford said the Salaam Balak Trust in Mumbai was taking forward the cause of slum and street children, who also need to be provided better education and good quality of life.
