Documentaries catching Indians interest due to technological advent

Panjim, Nov 27 (ANI): Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) Director Kuldeep Sinha said here on Friday that the documentary film culture is fast catching up in India with the advent of digital technology.

Addressing a press conference at the India International Film Festival (IFFI) to promote MIFF -2010, Sinha said, every year over 40 documentary film festivals are being organised in different parts of the country by various organisations, which indicates the growing popularity.

The 11th edition of the MIFF is being organized by the Films Division will be held fromto February,3 to 9, 2010 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai.

The MIFF is rated as the world's best and largest documentary film festival being manned by filmmakers.

Commenting on commercial influences over documentary films Sinha said:"Documentary is a very serious business as it creates future of the country. Documentary should not be commercialized and the Films Division takes it as a means to explore serious issues."

Sinha said the MIFF has received 864 entries from 37 countries, which is an all time record.

"The Selection Committee consisting of eminent film makers, journalists and critics has already started previewing the films, the total duration of which crosses more than 400 hours," he added.

Sinha also informed that from this edition of the MIFF, International and Indian competition sections have been merged into one competition section and a new award is being introduced for "Best Student Film or Video." (ANI)