Renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra made headlines at the ongoing 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa by sharing his thoughts on India’s Oscar selections. During a masterclass, Chopra expressed that many, including Hollywood artists, preferred his 2023 directorial venture, 12th Fail, as a more deserving contender for India’s entry to the Academy Awards.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed that international feedback, especially from Hollywood, favoured 12th Failover filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph’s selected entry.
“Many people, including those from Hollywood, told me that 12th Fail should have represented India at the Oscars, not whatever went,” Vidhu Vinod Chopra remarked. He emphasized, however, that awards, whether international or domestic, should not overshadow the quality of storytelling.
Chopra’s Take on Awards
The filmmaker urged the audience not to emphasise awards like the Oscars or India’s National Film Awards.
“Do I care about awards? No. What I care for is whether I made a good film or not. Awards are acknowledgements given by people outside the industry for reasons we may never understand,” he stated.
Chopra also touched upon the lack of recognition for thrillers like his acclaimed Parinda (1989) at National Film Awards. Responding to a question from the audience, he said, “You are giving too much importance to National Awards.”
12th Fail: A Story of Resilience
12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is based on Anurag Pathak’s novel of the same name and tells the inspiring story of a civil services aspirant who overcomes failures to achieve his dreams. The film received critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and performances.
IFFI 2024 Highlights
The 55th IFFI continues to be a hub for discussions on cinema, featuring workshops, masterclasses, and film screenings. With over 270 films from 81 countries, the festival celebrates diverse storytelling while sparking important conversations within the industry.
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