Interview with Saibal Mitra
When the 21st
International Film Festival of Kerala has given way for heated debates
regarding National Anthem and Supreme Court order, Bengali director Saibal
Mitra wishes to make his next movie on the backdrop of Nationalism. I don’t
understand any sort of imposed nationalism and the fascist way of looking at
things. My next movie will have the flavor of nationalism in theme and story”
says Saibal Mitra after watching the maiden screening of his movie Chitrokar(
The last Mural) at Tagore theatre today. Albeit a Bengali movie, he feels
rapturous to screen his movie for the packed audience of Kerala prior to the
Bengali movie lovers. The very movie screened in the ‘International Competition’
section of Kerala was followed by the Indian Panorama section of the
International Film Festival of India. Saibal Mitra who tries to explore his
experience in art responds to the IFFK Media Cell.
Q: In the post modern era of market
economy and commercial success,what made you come up with a movie like
Chitrokar?
A: My movie Chitrokar is inspired
by the lives of Indian painter Binod Bihari Mukherjee and American painter Mark
Rothko. Whatever my topic is, I have to experience it personally. Binod Babu,
an artist I personally knew right from my school days kindled in me the joy of
creation which lies in the endless process. I am least bothered of commercial
success and monetary impacts.I wish to create a space, a region which is
capable of narrating a story very close to the mind’s eye. The protagonist
Bijan Bose in spite of being blind has a constant vision which is awake while sleeping and
decaying.
Q: How did you feel after screening
your movie in IFFK especially before revealing to the movie fans of Bengal?
A: I feel overjoyed at the screening
of my movie in IFFK and really honored to watch it along with the movie lovers
across India. Chitrokar had its first screening in the Goa fest and IFFK is the
second venue. It is a matter of immense delight for me to show this for the
Kerala audience prior to the people of my land. Kerala viewers are also
exceptional just like the prodigy of this gala. They are very open and more
receptive than Bengalis. The first impression of my first trip to Kerala as
well as to the IFFK became a red-letter one.
Q: Why do you like make your next movie on
nationalism?
A: I
don’t agree with any sort of imposed nationalism. I am not for any kind of institutionalized
activity and for me it is a fascist way of looking at things. My upcoming movie
will look forward to bring my views on nationalism.
Q: Do you wish to try a new theme away from
your artistic creations of Byomkesh Bakshi and Bijan Bose?
A: You can’t express things without
knowing a language. The very language having the red colour of artery is
capable of giving light to it. The eye of an artist surpasses the physical
power of human eye. My intention is never to gain name and fame from all people
who view my film.I will be glad if my movie is capable of staying in the dawn
of the minds of a handful viewers just like Binod Bihari lies immortal in my
mind.
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