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Journalism of Courage
The second Indian Screenwriters Conference hopes to start a new chapter for Indian film writing
The last few years have seen change within the monolith structure of Bollywood. At such a time, the role of the screenwriter is pivotal to carry it forward but where hundreds of talents wash up on the shores of a harsh, cut-throat industry, the screenwriter is a species that needs to be protected. The second Indian Screenwriters Conference, that was organised weekend at the Indira Gandhi Development Research Institute near Film City Mumbai, saw a sea of writers, directors, technicians and students from the film fraternity.
It also paid tribute to recently deceased playwright Vijay Tendulkar8217;s works. Govind Nihalani, who adapted Tendulkar8217;s screenplay for his 1980 film Akrosh, talked on Tendulkar8217;s work.
The tribute formed an apt backdrop for a session this year dedicated to the 8216;politics of the script8217; with Prakash Jha. 8220;There is an attempt now to come out and talk about issues, though still with some reservations. Films like Mumbai Meri Jaan and A Wednesday are trying. It also depends on the changes in the socio-political scenario over the coming months. But this is certainly an exciting time for young writers, with the sheer range of films out there,8221; explains Jha.
Even though some may consider the politics of these films questionable, Nihalani was optimistic. 8220;These efforts need to be lauded and critiqued. And they should be given time to mature,8221; he said.
The first conference held in August 2006 was a move towards creating a common platform where screenwriters could meet and discuss their craft, its limitations and logistics.
8220;There is rank exploitation in the film industry. Now there are a few names backed by big banners that have the safety of adequate, timely remuneration. But the huge majority doesn8217;t,8221; said Anjum Rajabali, teacher of scriptwriting at the Film and Television Institute, Pune, and the brain behind the conference.
Screenwriter Thani was skeptical. 8220;One still can8217;t go up to the people with the money and talk percentages. So I would hope that something more concrete comes out of this year8217;s session,8221; he says.
