Amit Khanna on his debut at Cannes Film Festival, the art of film and web-series making and much more…
What was your drive behind making films?
Well, I have always been a storyteller. I love exploring multiple emotions, as well as influence minds. Cinema is a great medium to express yourself, to feel liberated, to make a point and probably even make a difference in the society. Here I am, all set to make my contribution.
From web series to Cannes Film Festival, tell us about your journey?
I had visited Cannes in 2016 with my short film “An Untold Story of Paperboats”, that’s when I thought someday I should come here with a feature as well. This year (2018) I was fortunate that my two feature films were screened in the Cannes Market, “Friends-in-law” India’s first Telugu-English crossover film, as well as “Still About Section 377” a web-series cut into a film format. Cannes is a beautiful experience, it exposes you to world cinema, and you get to learn so much not only about filmmaking but also about marketing and distribution. You meet people from all over the world and it broadens your perspective.
As a young filmmaker, what were your roadblocks and how did you overcome?
The biggest roadblock was that I never had any ‘God Father’ in the industry. I have made many mistakes, but I was fortunate to get another chance to prove myself. I guess struggle teaches you a lot about the field as well as your potentials and weak points. To be frank, I have no complaints. I have a lot to do; I just hope I don’t disappoint myself. (smiles)
Do you think it’s essential to go to a film institute in order to become a successful filmmaker?
It is always good to gain knowledge about your field, subconsciously it surely helps. I wish I had been to one, but many great filmmakers never went to an institute, so it really depends from person to person. I think, to be successful, one should be passionate, driven, focused and hardworking.
What’s your take on web series and short films?
They are revolutionary! The regressive soaps on television had left intellectual audience bored and hungry for content. Suddenly life seems interesting with great content on the digital platforms. They are extremely liberating and a lot of them are no less than creatively satisfying.
You work on strong themes, how do you choose a theme for your film?
I believe that cinema can really convey a lot. I like to tell stories of growth, coming of age and journeys which are relatable and which break a prejudice. I want to create value through the content I generate, hence I go for subjects which I feel need attention, especially related to the youth, after all, they are the future.
And your upcoming projects would be?
I am awaiting the release of All About Section 377 season 2 and Meri Girl-friend ka Boy-Friend. Both of them will be out by August. My feature film Friends-in-Law is currently doing the festival rounds, hoping for an India release by end of the year. I have just completed filming a rib-tickling sex comedy “Voh Wali Picture” which is expected to release in the last quarter of the year.
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