Film fraternity joins march in solidarity with FTII students

The participants first took the amphitheatre, standing in rows to display banners. While one displayed the names of other institutes, such as IIT, Bombay, IIM, NFDC and CBFC,  another read: ‘No Puppet Show in Institute of Autonomy’ along with a big banner on which Tagore’s famous lines, ‘Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high’, were printed.

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As the sun set, those supporting the students of FTII marched along the promenade towards Jogger’s Park, the other end of Carter Road, shouting slogans such as ‘No need for cultural fascism’ to percussion beats, and sang protest songs, such as Hum Honge Kamyab. “This issue isn’t about FTII alone; it’s about freedom of speech, thought and education. The fight will be long and difficult but I will support them,” said film maker Saeed Mirza, an FTII alumnus.

The panel representing the students who have demanded that Chauhan be replaced comprises three students and seven alumni and is headed by Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty. They will meet members of the I&B ministry Friday.

“We are going to emphasise the fact that the institute is of national importance and demand the reconstitution of the governing body. We are also hoping that a resolution will be reached and the strike, which is in its 21st day, can be called off after the meeting,” said Prateek Vats, one of the members on the panel.

At least 18 cities across the country took part in the peaceful march in support of the FTII, and autonomy of similar institutions. While cities other than Pune such as Delhi and Kolkata had already witnessed marches to express solidarity with students of FTII. This was the first march in Mumbai.

Kiran Rao believes people with vision and track record of excellence should head India’s cultural institutions. “The health of our cultural institutions is an indicator of the health of our nation. Such spaces must be protected for artistes to create art without fear or censorship,” she said.

Mishra added that the chairperson’s credibility, not political beliefs, are of importance in such a case. “Chauhan can be handed charge of an acting module at FTII but to head the institute requires technical expertise and knowledge,” said Mishra.