The Bangalore Roof Top Film Festival

Dhivya — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 00:17:34 EDT

If you're a movie buff and love to discuss the late night show over a glass of wine, then you ought to be heading to the next Roof Top Film Festival (RTFF) in your town. And if there are none, you could start one yourself.

After Chennai had its successful go at the RTFF, Hrish Thota started one for Bangalore and the idea has caught on amongst film enthusiast and wannabe filmmakers alike.

RTFF was conceived in a night of passion way back in 1997 when filmmaker Mark Elijah Rosenberg was looking for an innovative platform to screen his short films. And he knew in New York it's never been easy to get people's attention and it was more so for avant garde cinema. Instead of renting a theater, Rosenberg got out his 16MM projector, a cheap sound system and a big white sheet and invited everyone he could find to his apartment's little roof. Hundreds came out, many with their films in tow, and the movies were screened deep into the night, amidst the water towers and pigeon coops of the East Village skyline.

RTFF has come a long way since then. From being just another film festival, it has transcended into a vibrant community of film makers, critics and enthusiast who share their passion for the celluloid in an open environment.

There is far more to Indian cinema than what meets the eye. It is a rich mix of languages, dialects, and cultures but unfortunately for most movie goers Indian Cinema stops at Bollywood. With it's focus on independent films, short films, cult movies and films that changed the way we looked at cinema, Roof-Top Film Fest aims to fill the void.

The Bangalore chapter of RTFF saw over 35 people get together on a rooftop to watch movies from dusk to dawn. Many classics were showcased alongside movies produced by independent filmakers who otherwise had no budget or the audience to showcase their films.

Judging by the overwhelming response of BRTFF 1, Hrish organized the second RTFF at Chung Wah on Church Street. BRTFF now has a proper forum on the web and Hrish plans to take the lead in organizing many more RTFFs in Bangalore.

RTFF works like an unconference that calls for active participation. One can participate by providing a rooftop, lending equipment, help with the screening or then by simply arranging for snacks and drinks. You can also help by blogging and podcasting about the event or by participating in the fervent discussion that follows each screening.

With the concerns of a clear night and a projector aside; throw in some beer, Pizza and great movies, and what you get is one amazing Roof - Top Film Festival.

The Great Indian Brat

Dhivya — Sun, 3 Jun 2007 00:39:55 EDT

Just the other day I was having a really quite nice date at a swanky restaurant in Bangalore. It is a charming restaurant on the thirteenth floor with a lovely panoramic view of the city. This is the last place one would bring their children to. Somehow Indian parents insist on bringing children to late night dinners at expensive restaurants and wreck everyone else's privacy.

'Aunty, what is this?' I turned around to find a little kid tugging at my skirt.

'It's nothing baby. It's just a fork,' I smiled and turned to concentrate on my date.

'Aunty, is this your mobile?' the cuteness was fast fading for this brat had pulled out my mobile from my hand bag.

'Yes it is and now would you be a good boy and give it back to me?' I forced a smile

After much deliberation the kid dodged me and ran with my mobile to his mother who was sitting two tables away. Politely but firmly I asked the mother if she could get me my mobile back as it was important. Instead of being apologetic she tells me kids are like this only and that I ought to be more tolerant.

I mean seriously, as much as we feel proud that our little Bunty is an active child bursting with energy, or love to see our little Chintu sing "Twinkle Twinkle", the rest of the world is under no obligation to indulge them. Parents should stop thinking they are entitled to some special rights.

Even at the movies I happened to get seats next to a boisterous family who had bought all the junk available at the multiplex and the kids were fighting over it all through the movie despite several refills. Also each kid by turn kept wanting to go the washroom, and each time he would have to cross me. I don't think I caught a word of what Captain Jack Sparrow was saying!

I don't know what we are proud of. We make monkeys of our kids. Feed them all the junk and make the world listen to them singing Jack and Jill a zillion times over, and force them to clap and cheer. So we all have sung Baa Baa Black Sheep, it has been the most natural part of our growing up, cute as it may sound it really is no rocket science.

So I think it's time to impose a few rules, Children below the age of 13 should not be allowed to

Fancy restaurants at dinner. Even if they do allow children it should clearly mention they are 'child-friendly' or whatever, so that the rest of us can stay away.

At the theaters for all shows from the evening show. The parents can rent the DVD and watch it later.

At the beauty parlours where I like to get a my head massage done without having to hear pesky kids running around and trying to handle the equipments

I don't have kids of my own, I am not even married. When I do I'll ensure they follow all these rules but right now I don't want be deprived of a good movie or a great dinner.

Desicritics Author: Dhivya

The Bangalore Roof Top Film Festival

The Great Indian Brat