Filmmakers, particularly in the hindi film business, have always opposed and criticised choices made by authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels, but they have never fought back. It simply suffocates like a traditional bahu or widow. "Utthaye ja unke sitaam, aur jiye jaa...", a phrase from a song, helps put things in perspective. The root of the problem is the lack of cohesion in the hindi film industry. Consider this: in Western india alone, there are up to four producers' organisations to protect the interests of their members. What's the point of having four associations? There is no reason to discuss it because there is no explanation.
If at least one of the four associations had a strong leader, the paradox of having four associations could be overcome. Unfortunately, that has never happened. And if the members of a certain organisation elect someone they believe will be a powerful leader, he has misled them. The norm here has been a leader's betrayal of the members. And when we talk about a leader, we normally refer to an association leader since he is someone who has a proven track record and is well-liked.
How can members of a filmmakers' association be expected to work together when each has its own Manuvaad (caste system)? There's the Film & television Producers' Guild of india, for example, which caters to the industry's upper crust. Only the fraternity's nabobs are permitted in, and only by invitation. You simply cannot enrol simply because you make or intend to make films! Then there's the indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), which is the parent organisation from which the other organisations sprouted up throughout time. The IMPPA was founded in 1937. Feeling more equal than others, some of its members wanted to split out and form their own elite body.
The members' names read like a Who's Who of the filmmaking industry. Normally, if you start a business, you want to join your local business association to feel safe and be a part of the community. That was how the IMPPA functioned. The Guild, on the other hand, is unique. You must demonstrate that you are on par with those who are more equal, which implies you must be extremely successful. Then there were many who believed the Guild was too exclusive and that they had no say in it, while the IMPPA was too middle-class for them. As a result, they founded the Association of Motion Pictures and television Program Producers (AMPTPP), which has since been renamed.
If at least one of the four associations had a strong leader, the paradox of having four associations could be overcome. Unfortunately, that has never happened. And if the members of a certain organisation elect someone they believe will be a powerful leader, he has misled them. The norm here has been a leader's betrayal of the members. And when we talk about a leader, we normally refer to an association leader since he is someone who has a proven track record and is well-liked.
How can members of a filmmakers' association be expected to work together when each has its own Manuvaad (caste system)? There's the Film & television Producers' Guild of india, for example, which caters to the industry's upper crust. Only the fraternity's nabobs are permitted in, and only by invitation. You simply cannot enrol simply because you make or intend to make films! Then there's the indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), which is the parent organisation from which the other organisations sprouted up throughout time. The IMPPA was founded in 1937. Feeling more equal than others, some of its members wanted to split out and form their own elite body.
The members' names read like a Who's Who of the filmmaking industry. Normally, if you start a business, you want to join your local business association to feel safe and be a part of the community. That was how the IMPPA functioned. The Guild, on the other hand, is unique. You must demonstrate that you are on par with those who are more equal, which implies you must be extremely successful. Then there were many who believed the Guild was too exclusive and that they had no say in it, while the IMPPA was too middle-class for them. As a result, they founded the Association of Motion Pictures and television Program Producers (AMPTPP), which has since been renamed.
