Karnataka Chalanchitra Academy will promote more content-driven films

Actor, director and producer Suneel Puranik is the new chairman of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy. In a conversation with us, he spoke about plans to build a separate complex for Bengaluru International Film Festival, one wherein they can maintain archives to highlight of the glory of Kannada film industry as well as create small theatres at taluks across the state.Excerpts:
Dedicated venue for screening international films
Every year, a huge amount of money is spent on getting venues for conducting the Bengaluru International Film Festival. This expense can be reduced if we have a dedicated complex for screening the movies. When there is no festival, the venue can be kept active by carrying out film-related activities.
Archives can help keep our film legacy alive
Preservation of the works of legendary directors, actors, producers and technicians of the Kannada film industry is of utmost importance. When filmmakers from around the world come to Bengaluru, we should be able to acquaint them with the Kannada film industry. And if we have our archives in order, then all our delegates and visitors can see our contribution to world cinema. Plans are afoot to set up an advisory committee that comprises actors, directors and producers, who can suggest how we can take Sandalwood a notch higher.
Mini cinema halls are needed to screen content-driven movies
The academy is also planning to take content-driven films to smaller cities and taluks that have a population of more than 10,000. Many good films fail to reach smaller cities due to a lack of cinema halls. Building small theatres will also help develop the habit of watching quality movies among people.
Workshops for aspiring filmmakers
Budding filmmakers can use the academy as a platform to learn the nuances of acting and film direction. I have come across many young people, who are passionate about filmmaking, but cannot pursue it due to financial constraints. They also struggle to find the right guidance. By conducting regular workshops, we can ensure they get some help on this front.