The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF-2024) hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Unlocking the Force: Using Documentary Films to Promote Social Transformation.” Veteran Kannada film director, actor, and producer Dr. T. S. Nagabharana was the key speaker, emphasizing the transformative potential of documentaries to highlight critical issues, inspire action, and drive societal change. The session was moderated by Shri D. Ramakrishnan, General Manager of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
Dr. T. S. Nagabharana, also an accomplished documentary filmmaker, spoke about the profound responsibility of cinema. He pointed out that in today’s digital age, anyone with a mobile camera can create a film, leading to a “No-Man’s Land” scenario. He stressed the importance of integrating “Cinema in Education and Education in Cinema” to instil the discipline required for successful filmmaking.
He noted that both feature films and documentaries are reflections of social realism and deeply intertwined with society. Filmmakers must stay informed on current social issues and strive for relevance in their work. “Documentary is the artistic tool to social transformation. It is not easy for a filmmaker to go after truth. Truth may not always be visible and is often elusive,” he remarked.
Dr. Nagabharana, a seven-time National Award winner, highlighted the need for a robust support system for independent filmmakers and cautioned against manipulating facts in documentaries. “If you recreate fact, then it is no longer a fact. It is manipulation,” he asserted. He called for documentary filmmakers to develop unique visual literacy and an aesthetic sense to effectively convey their perspectives.
Acknowledging the societal challenges in accepting the truths presented by filmmakers, Dr. Nagabharana advocated for inducing change through honest filmmaking. He warned against agenda-driven filmmaking, which he believed compromises authenticity and fosters fake narratives. “Visual language is a different approach, almost like a poetic language. Today’s visual language must derive itself, intertwining poetics and politics to capture the real truth,” he observed.
Dr. Nagabharana emphasized that filmmakers have a responsibility beyond the nation, extending to all humanity. Clarity of purpose in filmmaking ensures that noble intentions are conveyed, avoiding ambiguity and misleading narratives. He also mentioned that modern platforms have alleviated past constraints on documentary lengths, allowing for more extensive storytelling.
Discussing emerging technologies, Dr. Nagabharana highlighted the new phase of visual media, including artificial intelligence. He stressed the importance of purposeful technology integration in filmmaking to effect social change and expressed hope that these advancements would create a new visual language to aid the next generation in expressing their ideas. “For growing in a multidimensional way, one must be multiskilled,” he remarked.
Shri D. Ramakrishnan, General Manager of NFDC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role documentaries play in addressing societal issues such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, and environmental degradation. He noted that documentaries have the power to highlight issues, evoke sympathy, and inspire action.
