Alternative Views

The cinematic experience has reached another level in the city with movie-goers like Shirole moving out of the confined space of a theatre and trying out different locales. Films in India have evolved from the silent films of the ’40s to path-breaking films of the ’50s and ’60s and the mainstream popular films from the ’70s and beyond. Short films,documentaries,animated films and online videos have also become a part of the movie-buff’s diet. And to satiate these different appetites,more and more Puneites are looking for other movie-watching options in the city.

Shamiana,a short-film club that regularly showcases films from India and all over the world,holds its sessions on a regular basis at The Flour Works in Kalyani Nagar. It is frequented by hordes of students,professionals and movie buffs from across the city. Meeta Makhecha,owner of The Flower Works,says,“Initially we started screening films because I am good friends with Cyrus Dastur,founder of Shamiana. But it turned out to be a wonderful experience for all. We get new people at the screenings and our regulars are also happy with the buzz on those days.”

Earlier this year,a number of film enthusiasts had gathered at Idyl World’s amphitheatre,around 15 km from Chandni Chowk,to watch films from “sunset to sunrise.” An initiative by Art Escape,which is a city-based art hub and innovation centre for the the promotion of art and culture,the long night not only saw participants enjoying screenings of a number of films but also having informal dialogue and discussions with each other.

Apart from open spaces and restaurants,coffee shops and alternative spaces are also showcasing documentaries,films and short-films. Grubshup,a popular hang out at Law College Road,screens documentaries and short-films every now and then,as does Open Space,a creative platform for students and citizens to explore,understand and initiate social change.

“One of the biggest advantages of watching a film or documentary at an alternative space is the casual atmosphere. Besides,we don’t get so see these independent or small-budget films elsewhere. This way we get to watch thought-provoking and entertaining films with like-minded people. And most of these places have discussions afterwords,an attraction in itself,” says Mihir Somik,a sociology student from Pune University.