MIFF Panel Discusses Impact and Reach of Short Films

Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck, filmmaker and head of Berlinale Shorts, opened the session by drawing a compelling analogy, describing short films as akin to poetry.

The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion today titled “Dissemination of Shorts: Penetration, Reach, and Exposure,” featuring distinguished filmmakers and industry experts.

Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck, filmmaker and head of Berlinale Shorts, opened the session by drawing a compelling analogy, describing short films as akin to poetry. "Short film is like a poem. With each viewing, you will explore something new and amazing," she remarked, highlighting the significance of Berlinale Shorts, one of the world's largest short film festivals. Anna encouraged filmmakers to view constraints such as limited funds and resources as opportunities for creativity, emphasizing that "With one wonderful idea, you can make a beautiful film even through an iPhone.”

Saameer Mody, founder and managing director of Pocket Films, emphasized India's potential as a market for short films despite its thriving feature film industry. "Short film is a simple yet powerful medium of storytelling. It’s the medium through which you can portray reality," Saameer said. He discussed the transformative role of the digital revolution in helping content find its audience, stressing the importance of platforms designed to facilitate this discovery. Saameer also addressed funding challenges, advising filmmakers to explore opportunities and find innovative solutions themselves. “Somebody else can never fund your dream,” he asserted.

Renowned actress Tisca Chopra challenged the notion that short films are merely stepping stones to feature films, asserting their intrinsic value. "Short film is not just a stepping stone to feature film. It’s a little gem in itself, whose every moment is immersive," she emphasized. Chopra celebrated India's rich storytelling tradition, affirming that "a new, unique and exciting story will always find its audience on its own strength."

Vikeyeno Zao, a documentary and short filmmaker, raised critical concerns regarding the marketing and distribution challenges faced by short films. "There should be better platforms for short films to showcase," she urged, underscoring the need for enhanced exposure.

Mohit Soni, CEO of Media Entertainment and Skill Council, stressed the importance of comprehensive training and mentorship for aspiring filmmakers. He advocated for the establishment of more academic institutions and centers of excellence dedicated to filmmaking. Soni also proposed the creation of exclusive OTT platforms for short films, suggesting that revenue generated from commercial short films could fund more creative projects.

The engaging session was expertly moderated by noted documentary filmmaker Pankaj Saxena.

The panel discussion concluded on an inspirational note, encouraging all aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dream projects. As the discussion drew to a close, the collective sentiment resonated clearly: “There is a wonderful film inside me, which I have never made and presented.” The panelists urged filmmakers to embrace their unique and compelling stories, confident that these narratives will resonate and find their audience.