“Independent Filmmaker” whenever I hear these words, I imagine a few young faces. Their struggles are real. They are ignored by the mainstream media. They do not get producers who are ready to invest in their talent. No Multiplexes are ready to showcase their brilliant creations. They do not have access to the same resources that larger production companies have, such as top-of-the-line equipment, experienced crews, and high-end post-production facilities. The financial restrictions of an independent filmmaker are so immense that they cannot even think of hiring of a proper shooting floor. Inspite of several challenges, Independent filmmakers can be regarded as true artists who pour their hearts and souls into their craft. They are driven by their passion for storytelling, the desire to create something truly unique and meaningful, and the willingness to take creative risks. For these artists, filmmaking is not just a job, but a calling, a way of life, and a manifestation of their deepest emotions and aspirations. Despite the many challenges and obstacles they face, independent filmmakers persevere, driven by their unwavering commitment to their craft and the belief that their stories must be told. Their work inspires and moves us, reminding us of the power of art to connect us, challenge us, and transform us. Apart from being acclaimed independent movies, The Lunchbox (2013) by Ritesh Batra, Masaan (2015) by Neeraj Ghaywan, and Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) by Alankrita Shrivastava share a common thread – they are stories that are relatable to our own lives. While watching these movies, at some point, viewers can identify with the characters and situations depicted on screen. This is what makes these movies truly special and unique, as they have the ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, while also showcasing the artistic vision and storytelling skills of the independent filmmakers behind them. At a time when independent film makers all over the country are heavily ignored in spite of having a plethora of talent, for the last several years a film studio in South Calcutta, Arttism Shooting Venue(ASV) has been working tirelessly to uplift the independent film makers. How? In order to find an answer to the question, last week a friend of mine who is closely related to ASV, arranged for me a short trip to ASV. On reaching there I found it was a 3-storeyed building and nothing less than an architectural wonder. With over 1000 props, all the floors are engineered in a unique way so as to support indoor shooting of different shows simultaneously. Even the roof and the backyard are designed in such a way so that it can be used as an outdoor café. The entire studio is full of lush green plants. What makes ASV more unique is that, the management of ASV offers a discount of 50 percent if any independent film maker approaches them with their script. When I asked Mr. Suman Shome, the founder of ASV he said “Yes, we offer a discount of upto 50 percent on shooting venue charges if we like the script of any maker. But you have to deposit the script in advance as it may take upto 30 days’ time to finalize.” In a world where independent filmmakers are often overlooked and left to struggle on their own, ASV stands out as a “Ray” of light. With open arms and warm hearts, they welcome filmmakers of all kinds and offer them a generous discount, a concept that is not only new to West Bengal but to all of India. It’s heartwarming to see a studio like ASV care about the dreams and aspirations of filmmakers, regardless of their background or experience. ASV’s invitation is an invitation to hope, an invitation to pursue one’s passion, an invitation to turn dreams into reality. Let us cherish and support such noble endeavors that uplift and inspire the creative souls of our society.
Concept,content
& primary write-up :
Suman Shome
(Poet,filmmaker,
art curator
& founder Arttism)Transcription
& transcreationAbhishek Das