A Spectacular Debut Edition
The first edition of the Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) ended on a high note, celebrating independent cinema in all its glory. The event featured masterclasses, celebrity panels, workshops, and film screenings, attracting filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals from across the country.
Powerful Conversations at the Actors’ Panel
A major highlight was the Actors’ Panel Discussion presented by Applause Entertainment. The panel featured Pratik Gandhi, Priya Bapat, Amit Sial, Surveen Chawla, and Shweta Basu Prasad.
The session delved into the changing dynamics of acting and the challenges faced by artists in today’s industry.
Pratik Gandhi opened up about accent bias, saying,
“Actors with Gujarati or Marathi accents are often overlooked for mainstream roles, while those with Punjabi or Bihari accents get more opportunities.”
Amit Sial spoke about the director’s central role in filmmaking, remarking,
“When a film succeeds, the credit goes to the director; when it fails, the responsibility is still the director’s.”
Priya Bapat celebrated the success of the Marathi film Sabar Bond, inviting the audience to applaud the team behind it.
Engaging Masterclasses and Screenings
The festival offered several insightful sessions for aspiring filmmakers.
Veteran filmmaker Rahul Rawail led a Filmmaking Adda Session, sharing personal experiences and creative insights from his illustrious career.
An exclusive screening of P for Paparazzi followed by a conversation with director Divya Kharnare and celebrity photographer Manoj Mahara gave audiences a peek into the fascinating world of paparazzi culture.
Honouring Excellence in Indie Filmmaking
The festival concluded with awards across multiple categories, including Documentary and Experimental Films, Fiction Short Films, Fiction Feature Films, and Best Film on Social Issues. These accolades celebrated fresh voices and bold storytelling in independent cinema.
Organisers Speak on WIFF’s Success
Co-founder Deepa Gahlot expressed pride in the festival’s diversity, saying,
“WIFF was truly a celebration of diverse films and stories.”
Co-founder Vinta Nanda added,
“The audience response exceeded our expectations. We’re grateful for the love and acceptance independent cinema has received.”
Festival curator Sridhar Rangayan noted,
“Our goal was to present films that challenge stereotypes and spark meaningful conversations.”
A Bright Future for Indie Films
Supported by the Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (TRIS), WIFF wrapped up on a celebratory note, leaving audiences inspired and eager for the festival’s next edition.
