What is the relevance of film societies at a time when movies from across the world are available easily in torrents and DVDs? According to film-maker K.R. Manoj, despite such paraphernalia, proper training is required in selecting and viewing.
This is something in which film societies can contribute.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan says the Kerala State Film Development Corporation should construct smaller screens across the State and convert these into regular screening centres for world cinema and independent cinema from Kerala and other States.
This was one of the recommendations he had put forward to the government as part of a committee to revamp Malayalam Cinema.
Though watching movies in laptops in the comforts of the home is the preferred way now, the joy of watching it in a group and later debating and discussing the film over hours is something which only film societies can provide.
As long as there are people who cherish that, film societies will survive.
