Filmsaaz is an annual celebrated international Film Festival organised by the University Film Club of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The festival is one of the largest multi-disciplinary art and cultural festivals in India dedicated to the exhibition of short film, documentaries, music, art and cultural advocacy programs. This 4 days festival hosts the screening of upto 50 differently categorised movies and on the eve of 4th day holds an award fiesta. Thus asserting a down shift in the isolophiliac nature of today’s mind, by uniting them to crave for such hearty gathering.
A legacy of 11 long years, and enormous heart warming memories to cherish with, Filmsaaz has witnessed the presence eminent Indian Cenematic intelligentsia. The 12th edition is all set to deliver, an awe inspiring selection of movies from across the globe. For the past 11 years, Filmsaaz has been one of the ideal events in Aligarh achieving new milestone with every passing year.
Matthew Toffolo: How did you get involved with the festival?
FILMSAAZ: For the aspiring filmmakers, who submit their work at our festival. We specially screen their work at our Kennedy Auditorium, built in our University. With a seating of over 12,000, the work of these Filmmakers is spread all over the city. Moreover, at the last day of our event. We hold a special felicitation ceremony for the films that has been adjudged as the winner in different categories. In the felicitation, the filmmakers are awarded an exclusive FILMSAAZ trophy along with a certificate specially given by our chief guest which is usually a renowned personality from Bollywood.
2) What are the qualifications for the selected films?
FILMSAAZ has always been a festival of movie and drama. Filmy vibes can be felt throughout the 4-day event. From film screenings to photo booths. From musical evenings to eye-catchy decorations. These is nothing that won’t make you stay for a while longer.
3) Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?
No, we never think that. All the deserving movies gets a fair chance in competing in the competition. That’s the only reason we’re now getting some good and meaningful movies at international level
4) Where do you see the festival by 2023?
In the next 5 years, we definitely see our event as one the prominent Film Festivals around the world. Like the number of International stuff we’re getting. We’ll soon might have more number of International movies competing at our festival than the national ones.
5) What film have you seen the most times in your life?
6) In one sentence, what makes a great film?
A great script and team makes a great movie.
7) How is the film scene in your city?
We didn’t had much support for filmmaking in our city. But for the past 4-5 years, alot number of great and enthusiastic filmmakers are coming up with some great content.
8) What are the qualities a programmer needs to select the best films for a festival?
Well, since we all know. Nothing in this world comes easily. We’ve been on a rollercoaster ride everytime. Sometimes, we do get a lot of movie and sometimes, we don’t. But thanks to filmfreeway for making us a lot easier to reach some great filmmakers around the globe. Now, we just need to register our festival and all the other work is done by them.
9) How has your FilmFreeway experience been so far?
A great service. Have done wonders for us.
Festival Reviews 