Banning of subsidies hinders art films: Monica Lairana

“Exerting restriction on film subsidies affects the life and growth of art films all around the world”, said Argentinean filmmaker Monica Lairana at the ‘Meet The Press’ session at the 23rd IFFK.

“The fund and subsidies provided by the film institutes are being withdrawn by them in Argentina. The economic crisis happening in different parts of the globe are affecting the film industry and this reflects in the production of the films too”, stated Monica, the director of ‘The Bed’ screening in the International Competition.

“The making of ‘The Bed’ focused on the works of naked bodies and how time reflects the changes over the years on the physicality of people of all ages. Dialogues are of very less importance in the film”, said Monica.
“Acknowledgement of this film in the IFFK is our biggest appreciation and this is our way of fighting against the government trying to take out money from the film institutes which fund the films in Argentina”, she added.
Sharing the experiences of the film ‘The Debt’, director Vuslat Saracoglu said that the film intended to convey the need of compassion in life. “We had many limitations during the production of the film, including financial issues. Our only source of funding in Turkey was the Ministry of Culture which aided us, enabling us to make a realistic atmosphere as it was important to present the Turkish society to the world”, said she.

“The film ‘Sinjar’ is an attempt to revitalize the Jasari language of the Lakshadweep islands. The producer gave huge support for making it a reality. The film screened in many international festivals like Cannes, and ASEAN India Festival, grabbing several awards and recognitions including National Film Awards. The film which was shot just in two weeks overcame many hurdles, as the cast had to learn the language”, said Pampally, the director of the film.

Goutham Soorya and Sudeep Elamon, directors of ‘Sleeplessly Yours’, P K Bijukuttan, director of ‘O’ath’, Moraina Fernandes, producer, ‘El Angel’, and Balu Kiriyath, participated in the session