Independent Indian Filmmakers Unite Against Theatrical Inequality: 'We Fight to be Seen'

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In a powerful joint statement, 46 Indian independent filmmakers have come together to demand fair access to theaters, citing the struggles of critically acclaimed films like Kanu Behl's 'Agra' in securing decent showtimes. Despite global recognition and praise for expanding the idea of Indian storytelling, these films continue to face severe limitations in India. The filmmakers, including award-winning names like Nandita Das and Chaitanya Tamhane, point to a systemic pattern affecting all independent films. They face limited screenings, early morning or weekday-only slots, sudden cancellations, and a lack of transparency in programming decisions. The filmmakers argue that OTT platforms have created a 'closed-loop' ecosystem where independent films are expected to perform well in theaters before being acquired, yet denied access to theaters. The collective community of filmmakers, writers, producers, and artists urge exhibitors, OTT platforms, policymakers, and cultural institutions to address this crisis through structural reforms. They demand guaranteed minimum accessible show slots, including evening screenings, transparency in programming, and institutionalized indie cycles to promote discovery and audience-building. Signatories to the statement include Alankrita Shrivastava, Aditya Kripalani, Arati Kadav, and many others. The filmmakers emphasize that they are not seeking special treatment but fair access for Indian audiences to discover Indian films. As they put it, 'We are fighting to be seen.'