Mumbai is about the movies. So when the prospect of the shutters coming down on the much loved Mumbai Film Festival loomed large last year, many a cinephile took umbrage. A few stepped up to actually make a difference, including film critic Anupama Chopra, who took over the reigns as festival director. Chopra used her goodwill to bring in both sponsorships and media support. She also convinced her friend, the filmmaker Kiran Rao, to take over as chairperson of the board. As the two gear up for the 17th edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (October 29-November 5), Vogue spoke to them about year-round programming, the Bollywood boys' club and their plans to celebrate. Naturally, we met at the movies. Edited excerpts:
Last year, you managed to pull off a successful festival at the very last hour. Having had a year to prepare for this edition, what have you done differently?
Anupama Chopra: We figured that we need to make this a platform for Indian cinema. Of course, there will be international films from Cannes and Toronto—all the stuff that audiences have been waiting for—but we need to serve India first. That's a shift in focus. We're also looking at new verticals in our programming, like the After Dark section (for fantastic cinema from around the world) and a special section called Half Ticket for children's films.
When Shyam Benegal stepped down as chairperson, he said the problem was a generation gap between the board and the audience. Kiran, as the new chairperson, what are your thoughts?
Kiran Rao: The festival was founded by industry stalwarts in the late '90s with the idea of creating a space for alternative cinema. But there was no clear sense of how that would translate into a movement. We want to take it one step further. The idea is to make the festival more valuable for Indian filmmakers by creating a platform for exposure to international markets and also encourage untapped audiences to sample different kinds of cinema—which is why we're spread across three venues in the city this year.
What is your work dynamic?
KR: It's great to work with Anu! We've been friends in the past so it extended easily into a working relationship. She and her team, including the festival's creative director Smriti Kiran, handle the day-to-day operations. AC: We have a scream when we're together—except that Kiran is always worried about my very populist tastes! When we meet at each other's offices, we plan our meals in great detail. We are both really into food.
Bollywood has traditionally been a boys' club. Any resistance to the two of you being in this position of power?
KR: Not really. In fact, we were really championed by the previous board and encouraged to take up these roles. I wouldn't say I've faced any kind of discrimination by virtue of being a woman. I've just been expected to do my job and pull my weight on set.
Both of you are married to men who are heavyweights in the film industry. How involved have they been?
AC: Vinod [Chopra] has pretty much underwritten the festival. We've also taken over half his office. When we finished last November, there was no money to run this. In fact, we were in debt. Vinod enabled us to keep the office going until Reliance Jio came on board as a sponsor. I tell him that some women buy handbags, this is what I do. KR: In all honesty, you also buy handbags. AC: He's going to figure that out soon! (laughs). Kiran probably takes Aamir [Khan] for granted but he's been an immense help; he's actually invited people on our behalf. He is wise and measured. Vinod is extremely volatile. So in tricky situations that's not the advice you want. Aamir is the one I go to for advice.
Do you worry that the administrative work is eating into your individual creative output?
KR: I'm producing two films presently, and along with the activism [for FTII] and a three-and-a-half-year-old at home, I'm not getting as much time to work on my own script as I'd like. So yes, it certainly eats into my time, but it's important for me to lend my voice to these other projects. I'm interested in making films that are not necessarily mainstream fare and I'm glad to contribute in whatever way I can to create a conducive environment for filmmakers like me. In the long run, it all adds up. Last year was a breaking point for the festival, and we realised that unless we commit some solid time, it'll be difficult for it to survive.
What are your plans to extend the life of the festival beyond its once-a-year presence?
KR: An important part of our vision is to make Mumbai not just the venue but an integral part of the festival; to get the people involved; to find small venues for collateral events across the city. That's how we can build a sense of ownership. I believe the officials will eventually see the merit in this. From the economic standpoint, we know that cities like Toronto, Venice and Cannes benefit from their festivals. Cinema is a soft power. Look at how Hollywood has become a mouthpiece for America. When the aliens land on earth they meet the president of the United States of America; they don't come to India!
What are your lessons going forward?
AC: That this is hard work. There is no power, no glory. Last year we had so many people on the red carpet, I thought raising funds this time would be easier but we've had to schlep from one office to another with Powerpoint presentations. I've realised that support from within the film circles is crucial. This year, for instance, the first cheque came from Anushka Sharma. I had no idea how much work this really is. I will never to criticise a festival again.
How are you planning to celebrate?
KR: The way we celebrated last year was that we didn't get an email from Anu for two whole days after the fest. No 4am pings! (laughs)
