Virtual Session Celebrating the magic of cinema at Cannes

For the second consecutive year, Walkers & Co. made its triumphant return to the Festival De Cannes, showcasing Indian filmmakers through collaborative efforts. In regards to this, an exclusive virtual round table discussion was organised featuring film critic Anupama Chopra, alongside emerging filmmakers Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar, mentored by Guneet Monga.
To begin with, Ruchira Jaitly, Diageo’s CMO shared, “The essence is to foster progress through collective storytelling. In today’s rapidly changing society, the celebration of individuals making a positive impact is paramount, and the film serves as a medium for proactive narratives. Cannes is the epitome of this creativity, offering a platform for learning and inspiration. The Walkers Project aims to support young filmmakers, expanding the Indian presence at Cannes and guiding emerging talents to experience the magic of the festival.”
Ambiecka reflects on the incredible opportunity presented by the project, emphasising the challenging selection process and the chance to articulate the significance of cinema. For her and Akshay, being nominated is not just an honour but also a transformative journey, opening minds to new possibilities in filmmaking. Akshay said, “I am honoured to be part of the fellowship, and it gave me confidence in whatever I have made; short films and conversations with film critics have already been fruitful.”
The selection process for the project spanned four months, and explaining the same, Anupama explained, “It involved three curators who also doubled as film critics and companions. Sonia, from the Mumbai Film Festival, was among them. They deliberated and eventually presented six names for consideration in The Walkers Project. Deepti Dcunha, the director of the Mumbai Film Festival, was impressed by the incredible short films, which sparked lengthy discussions. Eventually, it was agreed that two individuals stood out as the best fit for one of the project.”
The ethos is centered around expanding perspectives, amplifying voices, and fostering inclusion, progression, and community change. These guiding principles inspire young filmmakers to create impactful stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Ambiecka expresses her anticipation of further developing her voice and honour it through her work.
Akshay shared his excitement upon learning of his selection, feeling an immediate connection with the ethos, which aligns closely with his own beliefs. He spoke of his commitment to inclusion in his films and recognised the platform as a significant opportunity to authentically express his voice while making meaningful contributions to the film industry!
Anupama put a spotlight on the significance of seizing every opportunity, highlighting mentors like Guneet’s invaluable support for young filmmakers. Reflecting on her experiences at Cannes, she shares practical advice, underscoring the importance of comfortable shoes amidst the bustling environment. Anupama urges, “Filmmakers should prioritise comfort over fashion, considering the extensive walking and standing involved.” With thousands of attendees immersed in cinema over ten days, she describes Cannes as both hectic and enchanting, emphasising the need for relentless energy, hydration, and seizing every chance to eat.
“These may seem mundane tips, but they’re indispensable for navigating the festival’s whirlwind atmosphere.” She also encouraged filmmakers to be proactive in networking, shedding any shyness to make meaningful connections!
After absorbing Anupama’s experiences, Ambiecka too acknowledged the demanding nature of festivals, recognising the mix of networking, standing, and walking involved. She appreciated the insights gained from Anupama, providing valuable expectations for the festival. Ambiecka found the workshops engaging, particularly in understanding the film ecosystem. Through discussions with curators, the young filmmakers learned invaluable tips on navigating the festival terrain, gaining new perspectives, and delving into topics like co-production. A session with Guneet addressed lingering doubts, offering clarity and guidance. Initial conversations about festival essentials such as food and attire proved instrumental, setting a practical tone for their festival journey.