“Independent and neutral cinema does not get funds:” Faeze Azizkhani

Goa: 23 November 2024: Slovakia, a young nation is losing its authenticity due to growing capitalism and consumerism, said Rastislav Boroš,  director of the film ‘The Sluggard Clan’ being screened in 55^th International Film Festival of India.

While interacting with the media, he expressed, “I wanted to show the soul of my nation. It is a very young state. It had independence not so long ago. I wanted to show something authentic through the film. Hence, I decided not to show reality but wanted to present a metaphor or allegory. It is a dream that I have for my country. Youth of the country has all the aspirations based on consumerism”.

Belkis Bayrak, while speaking about her film ‘Gulizar’ spoke about struggles that she faced for funds while making the movie. “It is mostly the prejudice that affects getting funds for the film. Mansplaining comes from the industry and not from cultural institutions itself” she said. She further added, “If you are putting ideas that oppose any section of the society then there will be challenges to it.”

‘Fear and Trembling’, directed by Manijeh Hekmat and Faeze Azizkhani, tells the story of a woman whose unwavering belief leads her to isolation, cutting her off from family and social connections. This extreme conviction becomes the root cause of her profound loneliness. Faeze Azizkhani expressed that the name of the movie itself suggests the experience of making this film.

In her closing remarks, while speaking about the fund generation for the movie, Azizkhani said that the cinema that supports the establishment gets funds. However, independent and neutral cinema does not get funds and has to rely on friends, family, and own resources. Directors of the three films ‘The Sluggard Clan,’ ‘Gülizar’ and ‘Fear & Trembling’ addressed a press conference on the sidelines of the 55^th IFFI being held in the picturesque state of Goa today. The Presser was moderated by Sriyanka Chatterjee