On a calm Sunday afternoon, while most people in Pune are taking a nap, a restaurant near Bhandarkar Road is bustling with activity. This is where members of the Pune Film Movement (PFM), a community of movie lovers and aspiring filmmakers, gather every week to share their passion for cinema. Anub George, the founder of PFM, wanted to create a community that celebrates the love for movies in Pune and puts the city on the filmmaking map.
How it All Began
The idea for PFM originated when the team went to Mumbai to present a concept to various production houses. Instead, they encountered talented individuals from Pune stuck in mundane jobs due to financial and infrastructure challenges.
This realization led them to establish a cost-effective filmmaking model in Pune, aiming to tap into the local talent. Starting with 20 people, the PFM community has now grown to an average of 80 attendees at each meet, actively producing scripts.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Over a few months, PFM has empowered aspiring filmmakers to create short films through collaborative efforts. Jason Borges, a writer and PFM member, emphasizes the structure of PFM to prevent conflicts between departments.
The decision-making process is collaborative, ensuring the director’s final say, leading to the production of an impressive six films in just six months. Handling budgets smartly, Soniya Murhe from PFM notes that short films efficiently convey stories with limited resources, with costs managed through personal connections and collaborations.
Moving Forward
Having established a strong presence in Pune in a short time, PFM plans to expand further with additional events and initiatives. Anub George expresses the intention to secure sponsors for upcoming film festivals, showcasing Pune’s filmmaking potential.
He highlights the city’s supportive community and cultural richness as essential elements for PFM’s success. In conclusion, the filmmaking community is thriving, creating an environment where artistic expression meets the challenge of bringing unique and imaginative concepts to life.