Looking for solutions, and as a film fanatic, he would often participate in various workshops related to films that took place in and around town.[break]
It was during these visits that he met Surath Giri and Bibhu Gautam. A couple of more meetings, and these guys began talking.
They discovered that they shared similar interests in cinema-making, and also that young film fanatics like them required a platform.
After rigorous talks on the issue, On!on Films, a network of filmmakers, was formed.
And recently, Koshish Aacharya, also a young movie buff, has joined this group.
Formed in 2010 and officially working now, On!on Films was born to provide frameworks and platforms for people who love, support and make movies.
For the group, “Movies are an extraordinary way to explore a world of imagination, ideas and creativity.”
“I’ve always loved cinema, and so I decided that only watching movies wasn’t enough. I ought to be in the field,” exclaims Surath.
Currently in their initial phase, they offer a range of programs, projects and annual membership where interested people can learn about filmmaking, create their own short films, and join the network.
The group also has monthly screening of alternative cinema which is followed by a discussion.
As part of this month’s screening and open discussion, the group screened “Greater Nepal” last Tuesday.
This documentary by Manoj Pandit reviews the Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and British India and the lost lands of Nepal.
For further information about On!on Films and their upcoming programs, visit their blog at www.onionfilms.blogspot.com or join their Facebook group page: onion films.
The group encourages all young filmmakers to submit their films to further have them screened and discussed in public. “We want young filmmakers to come up and show their talents to the world,” says Siwakoti.
At the screenings of Greater Nepal, Republica caught up with director Manoj Pandit for a talk.
What kind of independent film scene exists in Nepal?
The scene of independent films has matured a lot in recent times. However, the ones making quality cinema are still a few. There seems to be a new rush, and every other youngster wants to make a movie. I won’t say it’s a bad thing. But then, we should focus on quality rather than quantity.
Youngsters need to learn the technicality and the art involved in cinema-making before they venture into the actual process. There are shows like these happening, which further add to the growth of this field.
How can hosting of such shows be of any profit to amateur filmmakers?
Such a program not only proves to be a platform for independent filmmakers and their works but it also becomes a venue for interaction and learning forum for amateurs. This way, both sides get benefited because it’s rare for anything except for full-length features to be screened in cinema halls.
And, as for learners, classrooms can never be as fruitful as practical discussions such as these. Here, you get to learn about the essentials of filmmaking from professionals.
What do you consider as the essential elements of a documentary?
There can never be a specific formula for making documentaries. The elements required will always vary in terms of the subject at hand and also on the message the filmmaker wishes to convey.
For me, however, there’s one thing that is of primary importance, and that is to have an issue. As a filmmaker, you also need a point of view to deal with that issue. Camera and other technicalities only come in the secondary stage.
What’s your say on the Film Development Board’s (FDB) decision on only 2K films being graded as “A”?
For me, this decision makes no sense at all. This is simply hypocrisy. Cameras can never define quality.
Also, we’re a poor nation, and 2K cameras are far too expensive to be owned by most of us. This decision is going against many talented filmmakers. Even “Dasdhunga” wasn’t shot with a 2K camera.
What’s your message to the upcoming filmmakers?
Only possessing a camera won’t make you a filmmaker. And this is also a field that requires a lot of patience along with creativity and passion. So youngsters need to keep in mind that the job is going to be tough, and they should enter the field only after they are sure.
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