The Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) 2011

- October 21, 2011

Mumbai 21st Oct. 2011.

The Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) 2011 concluded yesterday, and over the seven days it held screenings of the various selected films from all across the world, there were mixed reactions to both the organisation and the films showcased. This was the 13th year but it did not appear that the festival has matured enough. Despite big support and patronage from Reliance ADG the whole show lacked professionalism.

The festival opened on a sour note with many people accusing the organisers of putting up a clunky opening ceremony. In fact, Kabir left the inauguration function in a huff and blamed the organisers for putting up a shoddy show. Shyam Benegal, who heads the festival, was absent on the opening day and was not seen until the third day. Nana Patekar didn’t turn up on the second day despite the festival’s publicity which said he was slated to attend the festival.

At the closing ceremony yesterday, most of the awardees were not present, every time a name was called the compere had to cut a sorry figure.Only glaring light of the evening was life time achievement award to Gulzar, the lyricist, screen play and story writer. The man who has given his best to the Indian Cinema was escorted to dais by none other then his own protegee Vishal Bhardwaj and Yash Chopra. Standing ovation followed.

Who won at the festival? Who knows and no one cared either.

The opening day screened a Hollywood biggie, the Brad Pitt-starrer Moneyball. During the first day, people were able to interact with some good filmmakers and distributors. Then 15, 16 and 17 October saw the likes of filmmakers such as Kiran Rao, Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and Rohan Sippy attend the festival and even participate in seminars and discussions, raising pertinent issues dealing with filmmaking. The media too was out in full force, and for a change, they were taken good care of as well.

The downside for many aspiring filmmakers and film buffs was the absence of renowned filmmakers. Only veterans who are part of the MAMI like Yash Chopra, Ramesh Sippy and Shyam Benegal were available throughout the days of the festival. The worst thing most people experienced during the MAMI was the show delays; all shows were delayed by more than 40 minutes each, which really frustrated the audience, especially visitors from abroad.

But to me, the best part of the festival was to provide opportunity to young short film makers. They tried to prove that given a chance they may give the best !