Independent filmmakers are making a name for themselves with their wonderful films. These directors have proved that by following one’s passion, a person can achieve success in their work. In this article, two such independent filmmakers from Bengal are discussed.

Sourish Dey

What happens when an editor-colorist turns a filmmaker? The films have a whole new perspective- in terms of color usage, in terms of experiments, in terms of storytelling, and nuances little different from the bandwagon. Precisely, that’s what is visible in Sourish Dey’s films. Two of his films, Juto and Baagh already making some noise in the festival circuit, and the 30-something freshly brewed director is now ready with his third attempt, Furut.

A central Calcutta boy, Sourish had always wanted to do something creative in his career. He answered that call and went to learn editing and animation right after his graduation in 2007. He started working on short films, music videos, and ad films afterward. In 2010, Sourish dared to make his debut short film and kept on making one almost every year thereafter.

2019 was a milestone for the budding filmmaker, as he attempted to make his first feature film Juto. A silent film centered around a lone man’s passion for shoes, Juto managed to reach quite a few film festivals across India and it happens to be the first film in Bengal that got released in a café, parallel to its theatrical release on the same day, 25th November 2022. Moreover, the theatrical premiere had a deaf and mute audience as the guest of honor. 

Baagh, Sourish’s next is another experimental film that showed how every human being has an animal instinct dormant in them, that comes into life under tremendous societal pressure, frustration, and deprivation. The 2021 film was showcased in prestigious festivals like the Kolkata International Film Festival, the International Film Festival of Kerala, the Jaipur International Film Festival, Regional Film Festival of Kochi and earned accolades. It was also the official selection in a few other festivals across India. Recently the film has made it into the top 50 list of the prestigious FIPRESCI India Critics Award 2022 as well.

Now Sourish is ready with his third experimental film Furut which talks about the clipped wings of freedom of living in one’s way, being constantly crushed by the overpowering claws of career and life goals. The film is now looking forward to being selected for various festivals in India and abroad.

With two films in the pipeline for official releases, an editor turned filmmaker, Sourish is keen to continue with experimental films and is satisfied with getting a niche audience. He is confident that, his films will soon make a mark in the minds of those who live and love this genre of movies. 

Promita Bhowmik

She would have been a doctor by now. But instead, Kolkata girl Promita Bhowmik left her MBBS course and went to study Bengali Literature at Jadavpur University and eventually turned a filmmaker!

Born and brought up in Kolkata, Promita is a gold medallist both in graduation and post-graduation in Bengali Literature from JU and holds a Ph.D. degree from there. She taught at JU for five years under the UGC fellowship and later at Loreto College. But it’s her creative calling, that made Promita leave her secure academic job and enter the world of filmmaking, despite all the uncertainties.  

Not just in filmmaking, Promita has had a successful stint in the literature world as well. An award-winning Bengali poet, writer, and translator, she has ten books to her credit and has participated as an invitee poet and writer in various national and international literary festivals in India and abroad.

Starting from scratch, Promita learned the art of filmmaking through various courses. Post that, she ventured into a direction through a short documentary and a poetry film, one after another. Her films earned her appreciation in several prestigious international film festivals.

Donning the director’s hat, Promita next came up with her first short film ‘Porichoy’ (The Identity) starring two brilliant names from Tollywood Sudipta Chakraborty and Konnenica Bandyopadhyay. The film got official selections and awards at prominent global film festivals. ‘Porichoy’ tries to explore self-identity and what it could mean for a woman in today’s India. The film was flooded with more than 300K views on YouTube within seven months of its release on the platform.

With support and accolades for her work, Promita has now made another short film ‘Probaho’ (The Flow of Life), featuring veteran actress Madhabi Mukherjee. This short film talks about an old woman, who had lost all her loved ones in the pandemic. Three waves of covid later, the lone lady tries to rediscover herself, embracing life will all the positivity amidst the odds and negatives.

Probaho is the only Bengali short film screened at Indo-German Film Week, gets selected at NABC too

Promita is now working on a feature film. She has completed her script and is now looking forward to further proceedings.

Apart from her filmmaking and writing profession, Promita has a strong affection for nature and greenery. She works for sustainability and green environment with her organization ‘Smiling Green Foundation’.  

We hope that these two filmmakers continue to make amazing films and entertain the audience with their craft.

Priyanka Dutta