The Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) held its curtain raiser event at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) on Thursday. The event, moderated by Richa Chadha, featured filmmakers Shoojit Sircar, Rajat Kapoor and Sridhar Rangayan. The panelists shared insights on evolving trends, innovations, and the future of independent cinema in India.Richa highlighted the recently-released Marathi film Sabar Bonda as an inspiring example of how strong storytelling can create an impact beyond commercial formulae. She emphasised that successful movements in Marathi and Malayalam indie cinema can serve as a guiding light for filmmakers across the country.The actress told us, “This festival celebrates the spirit of independent cinema in India, so I am thrilled to be a part of it. It was an honour to moderate the discussion with such esteemed industry experts and showcase the challenges in terms of budgets, access and distribution that indie cinema faces. As an artiste, I believe in the power of storytelling to challenge perspectives and inspire change. I’m excited to be part of a platform that amplifies the voices of independent filmmakers.”The discussion sparked engaging conversations about the opportunities and challenges indie filmmakers face today. Shoojit Sircar said, “Sairaat was the unicorn of indie films – it proved that sometimes, against all odds, these films can strike gold. But let’s not kid ourselves, those kinds of films are few and far between. You know what it takes to make indie cinema? You have to be ready to sell your mom’s jewellery or sell your family land and then be prepared to kiss your investments goodbye.” Despite the challenges, Shoojit’s enthusiasm for indie cinema remains unwavering, and he’s rooting for the next big thing to come out of this vibrant filmmaking community.Vinta Nanda, founder of the festival, which will take place from October 2–6, said, “WIFF is more than a festival; it is a movement. Its true power lies in uniting diverse voices, celebrating creativity, and inspiring independent storytelling.”Co-founder and film critic Deepa Gahlot added, “The WIFF team is excited about the lineup of films and events, and we hope cinema-loving audiences enjoy the festival as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
