The opinions of film critics have a great impact on filmmakers, said eminent filmmaker-producer-writer Subhash Ghai.
Inaugurating the first AGM of the Film Critics Circle of India (FCCI) at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2013, he urged critics not to disparage and block the minds of filmmakers.
Strengthening the bonds, FCCI members announced their plan to institute the FCCI Award for Best Film. “You are in a highly responsible profession,” Mr. Ghai further said, quoting the Oscar rules for its juries.
“You have the responsibility to look into the growth of civilization and of the next generation. We filmmakers look upon you as God. So guide us in your reviews, tell us where we lack, and how we can improve. But do not mock us,” he urged, referring to some critics.
“Creative people are extra sensitive, so talk like a mother, not like an opponent,” he pleaded.
Speaking about the award, National Award winning film critic from Kolkata said,“Initially it would be a citation.” FCCI plans to step into a vacuum where film critics and filmmakers could speak to each other and understand each other’s perspective.
Towards this end, FCCI decided to host screenings and discussion at existing forums in different citadels of cinema – for example, Whistling Woods in Mumbai; IIC and Habitat Centre in Delhi; SRFTI, Nandan, Shatabdi Bhavan and Jadavpur University in Kolkata.
The members also plan to curate film exchange packages to increase awareness of Marathi films in, Kolkata and Kerala; Malayalam films in Guwahati and Delhi; and Bengali films in Bangalore and Mumbai.
