Sudhir Mishra highlights on Changing the Landscape of Cinema of India on JFF 2024

The Jagran Film Festival (JFF), renowned as the world’s largest traveling film festival, kick started its 12th season with a grand opening at Delhi’s iconic Siri Fort Auditorium, captivating audiences with its celebration of global cinema. True to its tagline, “Good Cinema for Everyone,” JFF continues to serve as a dynamic platform for established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work to a diverse audience. Recognized internationally, the festival is a much-anticipated event on the global film calendar, known for its showcase of feature films, short films, and documentaries spanning a variety of genres.

This year’s edition in Delhi included several high-profile engagements, such as Achiever’s Talks, In Conversation sessions, and panel discussions featuring prominent artists and industry stalwarts. Among the highlights was an engaging panel discussion with Sudhir Mishra, a luminary of independent Indian cinema, whose films delve into socially relevant and thought-provoking themes. Moderated by Dimpy Mishra, the discussion explored the theme “Changing the Landscape of Cinema in India.”

I became a filmmaker by accident,” he shared, reflecting on his journey into cinema.On creating authentic stories, Mishra remarked, “When you have curiosity and an open mind, you can understand people and their stories better. Classist mentality and prejudices should be discarded. Once you listen and dive deep into stories you cannot relate to, you truly succeed in communicating them. I am like an antenna, attracting stories.”

Addressing the role of creativity in a rapidly evolving industry, he noted, “I don’t envy the young right now. Mediocrity is no longer an option. AI can write ordinary stories, but true zest and passion are irreplaceable. If you lack originality, you won’t stand out.” On his creative process, Sudhir Mishra stated, “Cinema is a constant process of rewriting. If I already know the end and beginning of a story, it doesn’t interest me.” In response to a question about his legacy, Sudhir Mishra added: “If I have done justice to my work, the world will remember me. If not, I deserve to be forgotten. Filmmakers are bricklayers of this industry. We should focus on creating films rather than obsessing over legacy.”

JFF’s engaging programming and unique format make it a standout in the global film festival circuit. Attendees are invited to stay tuned for more updates, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as the festival continues to inspire cinephiles and filmmakers alike.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Jagran Film Festival.