"Christina Marouda" <cmarouda@indianfilmfestival.org> Tue, 29 Apr 2008

(IFFLA Festival Director)

 

 

Hi Brahmanand,

 

We loved having you and your film at the festival. Such a great presence, and I’m happy that the jury recognized it. 

 

Please do keep in touch and let us know what happens with your film, you and your future projects. We’re always here if you need any help.

 

Take care.

Christina

                                     

                 Brahmanand Singh with Festival Director Christina Marouda & Pancham's friend, Pete Gavankar 

A brief account of RDB docu screening at ArcLight Hollywood (26^th Apr 08)

The state-of-the-art 14 theater complex at the ArcLight Hollywood, easily one of the most awesome cinema experience one can come across, I found out from many Hollywood-based people who were screening their films in the festival ... it's been their dream to have a screening here...  

 

                                  

                                      Brahmanand Singh at the IFFLA-ArcLight Hollywood Red Carpet walk 

Houseful show & an excellent Q & A session:

 The RD docu was a houseful show, with people waiting outside, trying to get hold of a few more tickets / passes ... a lot of people had turned up from the East Coast and other parts of US (over 15 of them), one even from Dubai, just to catch the film...

 
When the film ended, in spite of the long 4-5 minute end-credits (which is where people normally start slinking away), more than 50% of the crowd sat through the Q & A ... and the observations and questions were surprisingly adulatory and positive through and through ... they called it a great film, which made them uplifted, energized, laugh and cry and get goose bumps on so many occasions...

 
The Q&A lasted close to 30 mins with not a single soul moving out...

I had earlier thought it might be of interest to just the Diaspora ... but almost half the audience was mostly Americans who had never heard of the composer ... and it seemed to have touched them equally powerfully.... a few of them pointed out how the film itself is crying aloud for the composer’s story to be told...

After the Q&A, it took me over an hour to move out of the foyer ... there were people coming up to talk about the film, many of them, for autographs ...some from different festivals, some distributor kinds...

Pete Gavankar, who had produced Pantera with Pancham & Jose Flores (his first international album, for quarter million dollars in the early eighties and was quite a hit in the US, Brazil, West Indies etc), had come down from Chicago and spoke endlessly about how and why he enjoyed the film so thoroughly ... it was too humbling when he too joined for the autograph, to preserve this occasion’s memory...

                            

                               Brahmanand Singh at the IFFLA-ArcLight Hollywood Red Carpet walk

Special mention by the jury at the closing: 'a must watch film for everyone..'

At the closing ceremony the next day, it got a special critical mention of sorts, even from the Jury, "as a must-watch film for all" ... and the scene (people coming up and talking how much they liked it and why) almost repeated at the closing ceremony party, eclipsing the fan following of many other more prominent films and filmmakers present...

There were people from other festivals who wanted to invite the film, distributors in the US who had seen and were interested in discussing more … there were people who wanted to show it in their festival in Madrid with Spanish subtitles and in Tokyo with Japanese subtitles (mentioning that they could do it at their cost) …

                                   

                                        Brahmanand Singh at the IFFLA-ArcLight Hollywood Red Carpet walk

 Enquiries - festivals, distribution etc …

Close to half a dozen festival representatives in US itself have reached out, wanting to invite the film (along with a few from outside who were present) … the response seemed absolutely phenomenal … and it was quite an experience...

A few days later, in Denver, on my birthday (3rd May) at my cousin's place, they had organized another screening, an informal one, with about 35 people … the response seemed to be repeat of the ArcLight experience … people hung around for over an hour for the Q & A (we had planned for 20-30 minutes) … many said it was a great film (this, quite reassuringly, seems to be a standard response … a little unnerving but highly welcome) … and they all say the film keeps them hooked … partly maybe, due to Pancham, partly maybe, the way it's been woven together etc etc … many had wonderful things to say about the choice of people featured, and its effortless narrative etc … some were very appreciative even of the subtitling …

So, all the people who have seen the film in its entirety, by now, seems to be responding with some kind of a pattern … from those whom I have shown it during and after the edit at a personal level and now, in the above mentioned screenings …

         

                Brahmanand Singh with friend Tina                                Brahmanand Singh with family members          

                                                             What next …?

After the world premier, the film is on its way to many other international film festivals, while the release logistics are being discussed with a few big names in the business.

Am now looking forward, now even more, to showing it at many more places and hoping to get a visionary partner who takes it up for a maximum reach out, working out it's business aspect in a proper, professional way but not without an emotional connect though...

                  

                                                               
                              A few review excerpts (posted, mainly) on panchamonline.com,
                               a pancham webgroup on yahoo… of the Apr 26th '08 screening
                                 (world premier at ArcLight Hollywood in LA at IFFLA '08):

"Nitin Shitole" <nittins@yahoo.com> Sun, 27 Apr 2008

It was simply awesome to be there to watch the screening yesterday. Immensely enjoyed the show. Simply Great Documentary....

Wish you all the best for all other screenings ... There's no doubt it will be successful and will be most talked about documentaries...

"Pavan Jha" <pavanjha@gmail.com> Tue, 29 Apr 2008

A dear friend of mine Oz (who runs passionforcinema.com reported):

" … the reaction was awesome ... the film is so balanced that it appeals to RD Boss's fans and also the western audience who did not know about Pancham-da … My hair stood out, all throughout the documentary. Brahmanand is a very intelligent filmmaker"

"shashirao" <shashi@uscorp.net> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 (penname Loin)

I am glad to have no prior intimation on the concept of this movie. All I knew was it was presented in a documentary format …

What is interesting about the documentary' s narration is:
1. There are interviews but you never see or hear the interviewer. This gives the effect of a narration unmonitored, unguided and unprompted.
2. It is a celebration of this talented person's life - a few friends gathered
in remembering him. The impact is effective - he cannot be seen or heard...but he is around.

The documentary does not lose its pace to monotony or repetitiveness. In fact, there are a few curve balls (or the doosra) thrown in - which completely catches you off guard. You simply cannot avoid a chuckle or a clap of amazement or appreciation.

Brahmanand, like a master craftsman, weaves his tale without any sign or fingerprint of the master on his work. His effort succeeds because it lets the artists featured live and breathe. It is just as he promises `a simple story told in a very simple format'.

Amazingly, in the post-movie Q&A session - a young African-American who never knew anything about Pancham made a pertinent comment - 'I don't know his music - but it seems like his story cried out to be told!'

Another comment from an American artist currently working in India corroborated the experience of watching a human tale focused on his works, talent and music.

Hats off to Brahmanand's team for producing a effective story with the limited resources at their disposal …

There are tons of details and incidents in the movie, which I simply cannot convey on a few pieces of paper. One has to view it to experience its 10,000 sq. ft. landscape …

Finally the one thought that struck my mind was that this movie could have (and still would) saved the Pancham Yahoogroup and me about 10-12 years of hard effort. All we have to do is simply make it mandatory for every member to watch this movie as a basic qualification. A ton of energy in explaining the obvious and repetitive postings can be avoided …

A blissful and content Loin still on his unending journey for… Pancham UnMixed!!!.

"Gaurav Sharma" <gauravs1980@yahoo.co.in> Tue, 29 Apr 2008

Thanks Shashi for the wonderful account of the screening. In my personal opinion, feedback from friends and fans like Pete and you hold utmost importance. Mainly because the film, in its own way tries to build an image of RD using music and words (without a voice-over); and fans world-wide themselves have a personal image of Pancham built through his work and anecdotes.

The emotions as depicted in the film are a result of the strenuous efforts of Brahma's unit who have sat through interviews just to capture the right moments and emotions, which sadly a TV channel/radio interview would fail to seize …

"Padmanabhan, Sundaram"
Sundaram.Padmanabhan@standardchartered.com> Tue, 29 Apr 2008

Read Loin's post and was quite impressed with the summary. We obviously had our view about BS's work but to get an independent / unbiased view was important to get that reassurance. Good work BS and congratulations to you and your team and Gaurav as well for the hard work you all have put in to make this a real success and a tribute worth it …

"sagar kopardekar" <sagarkopardekar@yahoo.com> Tue, 29 Apr 2008

These 113 mins in your life are most precious and be sure you'll live them fullest. To begin with an introductory title list, short clips arrives on screen narrated by all Pancham close ones which give you indication about the format of the film.

You start watching and listening to many celebrities, fans, friends, associates talking all about Pancham. Deep beneath under your soul you already have started reacting to those spoken words with all sorts of expressions like joy, excitement, sadness, helplessness and some expressions, which cannot be explained in words.

You hear many untold and told stories again through narration, which makes you, hold the chair-arms firmly all the time.

All this happens because of Bramhanand and his team's tribute to Pancham. A thanks is very small word for their tremendous and honest efforts.

"Gopal Iyer" <Gopal.I@adcb.com> Wed, 30 Apr 2008

Heartiest congratulations for what seems to have been a rousing reception for your 'labor of love'.

I know that you would genuinely like the spotlight to remain firmly affixed on the subject of this movie.... But even if only for a fleeting moment; you deserve to step forward and take a bow.

Well-done Brahma!!

You have a nice day... I am sure I will! For now... Mujhe chalte jaana hai...Bus... Chalte jaana,

"shashirao" <shashi@uscorp.net> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 (penname Loin)

It was indeed Brahma's well-deserved evening in the spotlight. He mentioned a few of his team members' absence and did announce KCP's presence to the audience. You folks certainly need to take a bow - for the great start. I can only see things getting better going forward.

Sagar in his post has provided an insight of the emotions that the documentary evoked - not only in the fans but also people who were strangers to Pancham and his music. This was quite apparent with the unending enthusiastic Q&A session after the movie. Questions followed questions - till the event manager had to cut in to remind us that the next show was due. Even then the crowd lingered outside the movie hall buzzing with questions for Brahma and Pete.

"shashirao" <shashi@uscorp.net> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 (penname Loin)

2008 seems to be heading as the `Year of Pancham' for myself. Everything I asked or dreamt about Pancham seems to be coming true.
One of those magical wishes come true was to see a movie made on Pancham - something I am sure every Pancham fan has dreamt about. And the opportunity was a premiere show - no less.
The post movie Q&A session was very engaging. Brahmanand came to stage and invited Pete and KCP to the stage - more questions and queries than there was time - I think it took over 20 minutes and made the event coordinators nervous.
The Q&A continued in the lobby - we managed to get some more of Pete and Brahma's time. As I had mentioned earlier - 2008 is the `Year of Pancham' for me.

"Ashutosh Soman" asoman@vsnl.com Fri, 02 May 2008

Hi Brahma,

Congratulations on making a wonderful film on RDB. Last night had detailed talk with Sagar and he was still under the magic of the film. Hoping to watch it soon myself... 

Incidentally ... I am one of the three founder members of Panchammagic, Pune(alonwith Raj and Mahesh)…

"Salim Shah" <salshah@yahoo.com> Fri, 2 May 2008

I enjoyed every minute of it. Very emotional memories came rushing back of our youth and exposure to Pancham and his glorious music. I am sure you are going to have a tremendous success with it. Even if the DVD gets pirated, your best returns will be to offer the opportunity to networks like Star or Z for single screenings. With that much entertainment value, it should be a $1 million plus ticket each time. Perhaps they will do it on his anniversary. That should lead to retail sales. Again, thank you for doing such a great job. Read Shashi's review on the club mail this morning.

shashi@uscorp.net Sat, 03 May 2008 (penname Loin)

Salim-ji … first of all the entire credit for the movie, the DVD and the LA experience is
Brahma's. I attended as an audience.

For the post on the group - I can certainly take credit. I am glad you and Pete enjoyed the movie and the memories.

As for the movie marketing, going by the attention it receieved in LA - we won't have to worry about video pirate - Brahma should deservedly get a good marketing/distribution offer.

"Christina Marouda" <cmarouda@indianfilmfestival.org> Tue, 29 Apr 2008
(IFFLA Festival Director)

Hi Brahmanand,
We loved having you and your film at the festival. Such a great presence, and I'm happy that the jury recognized it.
Please do keep in touch and let us know what happens with your film, you and your future projects. We're always here if you need any help.
Take care.
Christina

(The film managed to touch even those in the projection booth)
printtraffic@indianfilmfestival.org Tue, 29 Apr 2008

I watched quite a lot of it from the projection booth, and enjoyed it very much. I am looking for some albums from him now.

Best regards,

Amiel Morris
Print Traffic Coordinator
Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles