Come rain, shine, or even global pandemic, the film fraternity continues to thrive! Filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, etc. are either working from home or safely on their sets to create quality entertainment for everyone to savour.
At the same time, Mr. Manoj Srivastava (a known name in the film festival circuit) and his team are working tirelessly to make sure that quality content reaches audiences globally via the Delhi-based Diorama International Film Festival and Market.
This festival not only presents audiences with the opportunity to discover and watch independent features and shorts from undiscovered emerging talent from around the world, but also hosts well-known, well-established experts from the global film fraternity who share their knowledge of cinema with whomsoever wishes to partake of it.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Manoj Srivastava and finding out more about this festival:
When, where and how did the idea for this festival sprout?
MS: After heading the International Film Festival of India, Goa, and working for the Government of India on IFFI Goa and other film festivals, I realized that a film festival organized under the government set up cannot succeed and grow. The reasons were many, right from inconsistent policies, delay in decision making, lack of surety and decisiveness in organizing, and involvement of multiple agencies to single authority and leadership.
‘Diorama’ was born out of experience and an ardent desire to establish an Indian film festival with global outlook, partnership, and involvement and representation.
Growth is a slow and steady process and can be achieved only with consistent quality, patience, and perseverance. God willing, we shall overcome all hurdles.”Manoj Srivastava
The objective was to create something that benefits the creative community in some way, that there should be a ‘takeaway’ for everyone in an international film festival and a reason to connect. Hence ‘Diorama’ was born out of passion and necessity.
Why did you choose the name ‘Diorama’? Does it hold any special significance?
MS: The Encyclopedia Britannica describes ‘Diorama’ as a three-dimensional exhibit, often miniature in scale, frequently housed in a cubicle and viewed through an aperture.
In cinematic terms, it means looking at a work of art from a certain perspective. So, ‘Diorama’ means looking at cinematic content from a certain perspective. It is significant because cinema needs to be seen as something beyond entertainment.
What sets Diorama apart from the other festivals out there?
MS: ’Connect, Networking and Takeaways’ for festival delegates set ‘Diorama’ apart from other festivals. There is a conscious effort on part of the festival to be ‘relevant’ to its audiences.
Did you face any hurdles initially when you began this festival or was it a smooth run?
MS: Not only initially, the festivals face challenges like ‘paucity of funds’ regularly. It is never easy to raise money through sponsors and organize a film festival. Growth is a slow and steady process and can be achieved only with consistent quality, patience, and perseverance. God willing, we shall overcome all hurdles.
Who all can participate in this festival or whom is it open to?
MS: The festival is open to all since this edition is virtual. Everyone, looking for entertainment, updating of knowledge, resources, connections, learning, and creating local and global relationships within the creative community is welcome.
Could you elaborate on the kinds of movies that are screened at this festival?
MS: The festival screens Indian and international feature films, international short films, documentary films and feature films under special sections like “The Migrant Stories,” “Fear is the Key” (international horror films), and “The Lockdown Stories” (international films on Covid-19 lockdowns) globally.
Aside from movie screenings, what else is offered through the Diorama film festival?
MS: Actors, directors, singers, music composers, fashionistas, models, producers, art, costume, and stunt directors (bikes, cars, and horses) from all over the world present their point of view, and interact with audiences across 131 live sessions at the festival.
Has the pandemic changed the way in which you and your team run the festival? And if so, what are the new changes and hurdles brought on by the pandemic?
MS: Yes, but in a positive way. We have turned the pandemic into an opportunity to connect with film personalities across the globe. In a ‘virtual’ scenario, there is no challenge now, only opportunities all around. The festival has grown bigger several times by going virtual.
Moving forward, what are your future plans or hopes for the festival?
MS: We are already looking at the next edition, which would be ‘Phygital’ (physical+digital). In fact, this year too it is ‘phygital,’ as a part of Diorama is taking place physically in Indonesia.
We have turned the pandemic into an opportunity to connect with film personalities across the globe. In a ‘virtual’ scenario, there is no challenge now, only opportunities all around.Manoj Srivastava
And that’s a wrap on this interview! The Diorama International Film Festival and Market throws its doors open from December 18 and lasts till January 1, so be sure to book your seat and check out all that it offers. Movie buffs and those looking to learn more about the film industry can find out more at this link: https://www.diorama.in/
