Crowdfunding has revolutionized how independent filmmakers seek financial contributions to create their films, documentaries, music videos and web series. Filmmakers have used crowdfunding platforms not just to find contributions to finance production but also film festival attendance and publicity for their projects.
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people via internet. It makes use of the easy accessibility of vast networks of friends, family and colleagues through social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to get the word out about a new project and attract investors.
Crowdfunding in Assamese Movies
The trend is now gaining traction. More and more indie filmmakers, particularly in regional cinema, have started reaching out to people through social media or online crowdfunding platforms such as Wishberry, Catapooolt and Ketto. Recently Bhaskar Hazrika directed Assamese film Kothanodi-The River of Fables raised around 21 lakhs via crowdfunding. Dhruva J Bordoloi’s Dooronir Nirola Poja and One Last Question by Prathamesh Krisang are the other examples of crowdfunded projects.
Crowdfunding in The Indian Film Industry
Crowdfunding is not a new concept for the Indian film industry. Shyam Benegal’s Manthan (1978) is one of the earliest examples of a movie made through crowdfunding. More than 5,00,000 members of the Gujarat Milk Cooperatives gave Rs 2 towards production of the film. Director Onir’s I Am is the most talked about crowdfunded film with a budget of Rs. 3 crore. This movie won the National Award for best film in 2012.
Crowdfunding is a hit with India’s independent filmmakers. A lot of regional films found funding online and there is no reason why crowdfunding will not flourish.
This article has first published on GPlus by the same writer