WE THE PEOPLE
Documentary Films must relate to ground conditions, says Nilosree Biswas
Stresses on projecting problems of general masses to help in their resolution
By: Rameez Makhdoomi
Nilosree Biswas is considered as a renowned Documentary Film maker of India. She is also among one of the top rated freelance journalists of India. Her documentaries on burning issues like social development have won accolades from eminent circles of society. She is currently based in Mumbai, but her native place is Kolkata. In an exclusive interview with Mirror of Kashmir, Nilosree Biswas talks to Mirror correspondent, Rameez Makhdoomi.
What is the central theme of your documentaries?
I mostly focus on social development issues. My basic thrust is on the main problems confronted by masses on daily bases and the problems like gender inequality.
How would you look at the role of internationally reputed agencies in promoting documentaries?
The International agencies like CRY and UNICEF do support the documentary cinema. But, let me make it clear that funding avenues for documentaries are still limited and one has to work really hard to achieve success in the world of documentaries’.
How many documentaries have you directed?
I think till this date, I have already made more than twenty documentaries.
Tell us something about the recent reputed award won by one of your documentary film?
Yes, my documentary titled-Women, water and ten thousand mines bagged the best cinematography award in the international documentary festival held at New York in 2009.The film too concentrated on gender based problems.
What makes documentary films special?
Documentary cinema is more connected to the realities of ground zero. This cinema serves as a more powerful medium to highlight the problems of mankind as compared to the traditional cinema.
What precautions should a documentary film maker take, while making a documentary film?
It is quiet a good question. Actually, while it is true that the world of documentary films is more connected to ground realities, but on the same parlance a documentary film maker should remember that he or she should not go overboard .Taking extreme attitude can invite trouble and your documentary can get banned.
What is your advice to those who want to take documentary films as career option?
I would encourage them and tell them that this is great medium to express your talent and thoughts. But, one has to maintain high levels of perseverance in order to achieve success in the world of documentary films.
Do documentaries have any role in promoting global peace?
The mindset and theme behind documentary films is very much linked with the problems of mankind. Restoring harmony and peace between nations and humans is in fact an inalienable part of the documentary world. Documentary films certainly have a great role to play in promoting global peace.
Would you like to shift to Bolywood cinema?
No, not at all. I think the current bolywood (Hindi) cinema involves much exaggeration .I think as a professional I am made for portraying realities; so I won’t be able to work in such a cinema which is not much connected to realities.Although, I do have a lot of good friend in bollywood.
Have you made some documentary film in Kashmir and as a place how suited is Kashmir for a documentary filmmaker?
Yes, I was her to make a documentary on the art and crafts of Kashmir Valley. The said documentary I have made on behalf of the National Geographic Channel. Kashmir, as a place is a heaven for documentary filmmaker as it offers lot of content to a documentary filmmaker and has gorgeous natural beauty which adds new dimensions to a documentary film.I have simply loved Kashmir and its people and would continue to make documentaries on different aspects of Kashmir.
How has life been as a freelance journalist?
O! it has simply been a superb experience. I feel proud that my writings have appeared in prestigious national print media sources like –“Mumbai Mirror, Teheleka, Daily Telegraph and DNA.I focus on human rights and social development related issues in my writings.
Does a documentary filmmaker believe in nationalities?
No, the world of documentaries believes that the entire world is border less and we all humans are interconnected by the very relationship of manhood.If we think like this we can certainly make planet earth a wonderful place to live in.
What is you message to masses?
My message to everybody through your esteemed medium is that we should all strive hard to address the problems concerning mankind. We all should make efforts to make this world a beautiful place to live.
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