The inaugural edition of the Cinévesture International Film Festival was held in Chandigarh from 27-31 March 2024. CIFF is unique in how it focuses on a producer-led market inviting investors and creators to collaborate on a selection of curated projects from established filmmakers. Connectment Films founder Nyay Bhushan moderated a panel discussion on indie producers titled ‘Keep on Keeping’ On’ which featured Rucha Pathak, Vivek Rangachari and Sanjay Gulati. Yes, there are always challenges for indie films and yet we see a thriving community of filmmakers and producers willing to push the boundaries. No surprise then that in the closing session at CIFF, Karan Johar also shared how he was increasingly collaborating with filmmakers who have roots in the indie space of which many have made waves on the international festival circuit.
In its very first edition, CIFF has set the ball rolling, living up to the adage “well begun is half done” and the credit goes to the incredibly inspiring Nina Lath Gupta and her indefatigable team which include Bina Paul, Namrata Joshi, Lancy Paul John, Anupama Bose, Mauli Singh, Riyah P Ghuman and an enthusiastic team of hard working volunteers. From here on, CIFF will only grow and set higher standards, thus creating a much needed platform where new ideas with commercial appeal can be incubated and implemented.
Moreover, the setting of the city beautiful that is Chandigarh was refreshing and creatively inspiring. Away from the hustle of typical film centres like Mumbai, this decentralisation of the film business is very much needed to nurture a new generation of creators. The Punjabi industry was also well represented in the discussions featuring the likes of acclaimed actor Suvinder Vicky (Kohrra) and filmmakers like Anurag Singh, Smeep Kang, Gurvinder Singh and Jagdeep Sidhu.
Much as we talk about a content boom, the reality is that there are a lot of gaps that need to be filled when it comes to negotiating the tricky journey of bringing a film to life, from script to financing to distribution. Here’s wishing CIFF all the best in its endeavour to become that much needed platform where art and commerce can thrive.
Connectment Films 