Nivedita Basu Hails Cinematic Brilliance at International Film Festival of India

Nivedita Basu, Vice President of Fiction (Hindi, Oriya, Bangla) at Dangal, recently attended the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), describing the experience as a celebration of creativity and storytelling. Reflecting on her time there, she called it a "unique experience" that surpassed her expectations. “I had only heard about IFFI, but attending it was incredible, especially with my friends. Being surrounded by such creativity and cinematic brilliance was inspiring,” she shared.

Basu emphasized the importance of festivals like IFFI in showcasing diverse global cinema to Indian audiences. “These festivals bring attention to independent filmmakers whose work often stands out for its originality and perspective. They create a melting pot of ideas and inspire new storytelling avenues,” she said.

Her visit included engaging masterclasses and meetings with renowned filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowariker and Rahul Rawail, which she found enlightening. She also celebrated her friends’ achievements, with films by Meera Chopra, Akhil Kapoor, and Manjari Fadnavis showcased at the festival.

Coming from the TV industry, Basu appreciated the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and connect with people familiar with her work. She advised aspiring filmmakers to remain persistent. “Recognition takes time, but hard work and consistency pay off,” she said.

Basu also highlighted the evolving role of OTT platforms in complementing traditional cinema. “OTT is a game-changer, offering a platform for diverse content to reach global audiences. This year’s launch of DD’s free OTT platform is a significant move,” she noted.

Encouraging young filmmakers, she concluded, “Dream big, work hard, and never stop creating. Someone out there will recognize your effort and creativity.”