Why no space for Docs @ Chennai Literary Festival?

Why no space for Docs @ Chennai Literary Festival? - Amudhan R.P.

"Any country without a documentary culture is like a family without a family album " 

- Patricio Guzman, a veteran filmmaker from Chile

A documentary can be thought of as equivalent to a PhD or a research project as so much research, thought, time and effort is invested in its making.

It is definitely an art form. It gives a unique intellectual experience to the audience, equal - if not more - to that of reading a book. You feel the place, people and action closely, directly, and in detail, better than in fiction films as the latter have the duty to have drama. ( That's why a fiction film with less drama is equated to a documentary).

Interaction with a documentary filmmaker would be an enriching experience for any audience as she / he / they can show their expertise, share their mind, reflect on the themes of the film, offer stories on the making, and discuss craft. Documentary filmmaking is not just a recording of events, rather it is an audio visual commentary on contemporary history.

Probably that's why it dangerous to make and screen a documentary film in India these days. It is an independent and brave medium and it can touch the nerves of the ruling class.

Documentary filmmaking is also a "special child" within filmmaking in India. It is chronically endangered and needs greater attention and recognition.

The form and the reality it represents is difficult to handle for the fascists, such that the Films Division of India which is part of Union Government of India, and one of the biggest producers of documentaries in the world, is being (clandestinely) shut down by the Modi regime.

It is, for all these reasons, sad, therefore, that such an extravagant literary festival in Chennai, organised by the TN government, involving so many people from different walks of the life, has no space for a session on documentary films and filmmakers.

Are the organizers even aware that we have a wide range of film-making practiced here in Tamilnadu?

It is not too late to invite us, show us your sincerity!

Note : I understand that Left artists and intellectuals in Tamilnadu have played a major role in designing the literature mega-event.