Indie directors join hands to promote their brand of cinema

In an attempt to promote alternative cinema, a group of independent filmmakers of Bengal have come together to form All India Film Directors Organisation (AIFDO) to promote non-mainstream cinema.
"Our motto is to promote films which explore different and unconventional subjects and carry forward the tradition of Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Utpalendu Chakraborty, Ashok Viswanathan, Sekhar Das and likewise," Sumana Mukherjee told PTI on behalf of AIFDO.
The association will encourage making and screening of films not having institutional backing while also supporting other forms of art through theatre, painting or writing.
"I am surprised the way most films and tele-serials are shot in Tollygunje studio these days where the cast is handed over the script and dialogue just before the shoot. It was unthinkable in our time. With the advent of digital medium, lovers of the old celluloid form like me have started feeling uncomfortable," director Utpalendu, best known for award-winning film "Chokh", said.

Director Ashok Biswnathan, maker of "Kichhu Sanlap Kichhu Pralap" also touched on the issue of absence of distribution network for new Bengali releases.
The group has decided to hold a "big adda session' among the makers of films, painters, writers of the city from now on under the 'Culture Curry' wing of AIFDO and awards will be given to those who have made their mark in different fields of art.