Nivedita Basu attends International Film Festival of India, calls it 'cinematic genius'

She says that it was a unique experience, one that she had only heard about. “The best part was that I went with my friends, which made it so much fun. I could also navigate my way through the festival with the help of people who had been there before. It was a unique experience to be surrounded by so much creativity and cinematic brilliance,” she says.

Festivals like IFFI are in bringing global cinema to Indian audiences, she says, adding, “When you attend festivals like IFFI, you realise the diversity of content being made, especially by independent filmmakers who aren’t traditional professionals. Their work is so interesting and inspiring. Festivals like these are crucial in bringing global perspectives and stories to Indian audiences, creating a melting pot of ideas and creativity.” 

Talking about her experience, she says, “The masterclasses of the filmmakers was so amazing. I personally had the chance to meet Ashutosh Gowariker, which was so much fun, and Rahul Rawail, with whom I had a great chat. Additionally, many of my friends had their films showcased, like Meera Chopra, Akhil Kapoor, and Manjari Fadnavis.” 

She adds, “Being from the TV industry, it's always about progression and going beyond what you know and who you are. Attending such festivals is exciting, especially when you’ve only heard about them before. I was surprised and grateful to know that some people there were familiar with my work. The lesson I’d share with aspiring filmmakers is to keep working hard and be persistent, as recognition will eventually come.” 

Ask her what role does she think OTT platforms play in complementing traditional cinema showcased at festivals, and she says, “OTT platforms are a game-changer, and this year, DD even launched its own OTT platform, which will is free for all subscribers. This is a huge move and creates healthy competition in the OTT space. OTT platforms provide an opportunity for more content to reach audiences globally, complementing traditional cinema by offering diverse storytelling avenues.” 

She adds, “The best part of festivals like IFFI is that anyone creating content has a platform to showcase their work and get routed internationally. To all young filmmakers, I’d say—don’t stop dreaming and creating. Someone, somewhere, will appreciate your work. It’s a lot of hard work and a challenging drill, but it’s worth it. Keep pushing boundaries!”