The first Navi Mumbai film festival, NMIFF (Navi Mumbai International Film Festival) started last week and has received good response so far. It was founded with the idea to showcase the talent and creativity of filmmakers in the city. The film festival is supported by the New York Film Academy and it received as many as 300 entries from 35 countries across the world. We caught up with Oscar award winning producer Marc Baschet, who is heading the jury to talk about the festival.
You’re heading the jury at Navi Mumbai International Film Festival. Are you excited about it?
Yes, I am very excited. In fact, I am surprised by the quality of the films. There are several good films from different countries. I think people in Mumbai are lucky that they are getting to watch such good films in their city. I hope to take back a host of good memories and come back again soon.
What do you think of Bollywood movies?
They are very entertaining. Some of them are great. I keep getting recommendations for Indian films and I hope to watch them all. I do watch Indian films from time to time. The quality of Indian movies is considerable and they are making good movies these days.
You co-produced The Lunchbox. Do you feel disappointed that the film couldn’t go to Oscars?
I do not want to talk about it. People watched the film and they loved it. That’s all that matters. Moreover, it is doing great all over the world. The film has also been received well at the 40th Telluride Film fest. We have already shown the film in over 40 countries and we are releasing it in several parts of Europe this year. Also, I am co-producing another film titled White Lies with Anurag Kashyap.
Tell us about White Lies.
My friend Danis Tanovic (who directed No Man’s Land) is directing it and we just finished shooting. Besides this, I can’t tell you anything else about the film.
What made you pick Emraan Hashmi for the film?
Because he is a great actor. I knew about him before the film happened. Everybody felt he was the right choice. We have no fear about that.
— Rohit Pramar