India most exciting film country in the world: TIFF director

Cameron Bailey, the artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) may have travelled across the globe and observed the world cinema closely, but the enthusiasm and attachment that Indian audience show towards movies is something that surprises him every time he visits the country.
Bailey says the fact that people in India are so much inspired by films makes it the "most exciting film country".
In an interview with PTI, Bailey says, "Everybody in India is into movies. From custom agent to a normal guy everybody is passionate about movies. There is no place in the world which gets inspired and entertained by cinema like India."

The former film critic is also in awe of the kind of work filmmakers are doing here and says that India has a vast diversity of movies being made which excites him the most.
"Not just in terms of different regions or languages, India also has various styles of filmmaking and different kind of voices. India has the most commercial kind of film styles, but also really challenging and radical voices.
"Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap are breaking the ground and trying to find a personal space, which is also commercially accessible. I am also really inspired by the number of new filmmakers coming from India. Like Rima Das of 'Village Rockstars', it is just her second feature and is winning awards all over the globe. It is a positive sign."

Bailey, however, believes that the strong hold of domestic productions in India, makes it tough for international markets and even Hollywood films to create their own space here.

"People outside India look at it as a tough market because I think everyone is aware that the domestic market in India is so strong. It is hard for films that don't come from domestic production to really break through.
"But with streaming services coming to India, it is a great way to introduce people of the country to the diverse content. People in the industry take India as a market with great potential because Indians go to watch movies more than anyone else does in the world."

Bailey, who has been visiting India frequently for various film festivals with the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the NFDC Film Bazaar being the latest one, says such festivals draw focus towards projects which deserve a bigger platform.
"Film festival can make a lot of difference. Primarily, they can focus on good films which are being made and then work on buying and selling of the films across the globe. It draws attentions to a lot of films.
"For us in TIFF the most important thing is the audience, as the filmmakers get to show their films directly to the consumers. There are more and more films being made all across the globes, markets at festivals make things better for indie filmmakers. We find some amazing films at the markets in festivals."

The trend of big banners picking up indie projects and providing them with a theatrical release has been growing lately and Bailey believes the reason for the shift in the focus is the need of freshness in movies.
"If big banners are looking for the most talented filmmakers and the new talent, it is important for them to come to festivals. Every large industry needs to be refreshed and needs new voices and festivals are the best place to find these enthusiastic voices.