Mumbai: Walkers & Co, in collaboration with Film Companion, announces the launch of The Walkers Project, a purpose-driven initiative aimed at enabling two promising Indian filmmakers with bold and unique voices. By spotlighting talent that embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion, this program is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful storytelling and creative excellence.

The Walkers Project involved a rigorous selection process involving film critics, curators, and industry experts, led by renowned figures Anupama Chopra and Deepti DCunha. This led to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar emerging as the Walkers, chosen for their distinct voices, conviction, and potential to create impactful cinema. The selection process was followed by intense mentoring sessions and workshops, preparing the filmmakers for the Cannes Film Festival 2024, where the biggest business of films happens in the world. The mentoring sessions were led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, along with Anu Rangachari, Jerome Paillard and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival. The aim of the program is to provide invaluable and once-in-a-lifetime exposure and networking opportunities to the young filmmakers. Upon returning from the film festival, the young filmmakers will also be making a fictional film each on the theme of “Keep Walking”.

Indiantelevision.com reached out to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar, where they both shared their journey!

Edited excerpts

On sharing a bit about your journey into the world of filmmaking

Akshay: I started as a confused individual, uncertain about my future path, so I pursued engineering. During my studies, I was exposed to filmmaking through inter-college events. This experience ignited a passion for the creative field within me. My first job at the Museum of Goa introduced me to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where I applied and was accepted into the screenwriting program. My time in the film institute was a validation of my beliefs that I can create stories. After the course I moved to Mumbai and I’ve been working there ever since.

Making films brings me immense joy. When you love what you do, there's no looking back. I see myself as a writer first and then a director. I thrive on ideating, developing new characters, and crafting fresh worlds. Filmmaking is, in my view, the most impactful medium to reach people. It allows me to convey ideas, worldviews, and politics in an engaging and entertaining way. Through filmmaking, I can not only entertain but also educate and empower audiences.

Ambiecka: I am a lawyer by qualification and worked as a corporate lawyer for a few years before making the leap to pursue my passion - filmmaking. My sole inspiration to pursue my dream was an uncontrollable itch that a life of creativity will allow me to feel closer to my purpose which is to question the human condition and bring solace to mankind through my stories.

On Guneet Monga’s guidance influencing your approach to filmmaking

Akshay: Guneet Monga has been a powerhouse producer since a long time and has been someone I have always wanted to interact and work with. While the first one was made possible by the fellowship and it was an enriching conversation, I hope to pitch her the stories I am working on after coming back from Cannes.

Working alongside Guneet Monga so early in my journey has been incredibly enlightening. It has allowed me to gain insights into various roles in filmmaking, including directing, writing and especially producing. Guneet's unique perspective, which prioritizes the strength of the storyline above all else, has left a profound impact on me. Her belief in the power of storytelling to drive the success of a film has inspired me to push my creative boundaries and experiment with different narrative techniques.  I've been motivated to strive for excellence in every aspect of my work. Moreover, Guneet's guidance has provided invaluable insights into the larger picture of film festivals, such as Cannes. Her inputs about how to take my stories forward while staying authentic to my voice, have been helpful and I have applied them during my time at Cannes. During our meeting, she was nice enough to pitch a couple of ideas that she did to financiers, to us. She has helped me understand the significance of these events in showcasing films to a global audience and establishing connections within the industry. Her advice of “however dark or somber the story you’re pitching is, make sure you end it on a relatively happy note/closing line”, really made me look at pitching very differently. Through The Walkers Project, I've been able to access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that have enriched my understanding of the filmmaking landscape.

Ambieka: Guneet has a very holistic approach to filmmaking. She believes in closely understanding commerce to use it to her advantage in telling the kind of stories she believes in and the reason she is a pioneer in her own right is because has found the funding to tell stories nobody funds. From her, I have had the privilege of learning that art and commerce are forever entwined and a filmmaker’s job along with telling compelling stories is to ensure that they are sustainable.

On some of the challenges you've faced as emerging filmmakers, especially within the Indian film industry

Akshay: Navigating the landscape of the Indian film industry has been both exciting and filled with opportunities for growth for personal and professional developments. However, with every opportunity, there are challenges to overcome. One significant challenge is breaking into the industry with established networks and structures, where access to resources and mentorship can be limited for newcomers. Additionally, there are hurdles in securing funding and support for projects that deviate from mainstream narratives. Fortunately, The Walkers Project, offers hope amidst these challenges. Through this project, not only are our films being provided with essential funding, but they are also granted the invaluable opportunity to bring to life narratives centred around the theme of "Keep Walking." These narratives, aimed at inspiring progress and innovation, serve as a catalyst for positive change within the industry and beyond.

Ambieka: One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the skewed perspective the Indian film industry has on understanding the “market”. Considering the target audience is people looking to have an emotional experience, it is very difficult as an emerging filmmaker to convince financial collaborators of the “marketability” of a project.

On emerging filmmakers like yourselves contributing to the diversity and evolution of Indian cinema

Akshay: The first and most important thing we can do as filmmakers is to stay true to our voice. When you have something meaningful to convey through your films, the rest tends to fall into place. For me, the "why" behind making a film is far more significant than the "how."

Contributing to the diversity and evolution of Indian cinema stems from personal experiences and inner drive. Overcoming the hurdles we face is essential for progress, and once we do, we should strive to prevent others from encountering the same obstacles, or at least prepare them for what lies ahead. To ensure diversity in cinema, we must create films that reflect our reality and consciously foster it behind the camera as well. Change doesn't happen on its own; we must actively work to bring it about.

Ambieka: Personally, I believe form and substance are intrinsically linked. I try to find the best visual language and grammar to tell the particular story I want to. Any story told well and authentically will resonate with the audience which is very intelligent.

On your aspirations for your filmmaking career

Akshay: Going forward, I am eager to explore different genres in my filmmaking career, with a special focus on promoting inclusivity and diversity. The experience and knowledge that I have gained from Cannes and through my mentors from The Walkers Project will be invaluable in shaping my approach towards my films. As this project spans over six months, there will be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and learn new skills, which will significantly enhance our ability to shape our films for this campaign which will also be my next project.

My father was a teacher, and education is deeply important to me. Whenever possible, I aim to give back to the society and the people who have shown me so much love and support. I want to maybe be a part of a film program or create a short filmmaking course to give back everything that I’ve learnt till now. Not just in terms of filmmaking but also film festivals, film financing and film appreciation.

As a writer, I eagerly anticipate bringing my written words to the big screen. There are many stories I feel compelled to tell, and I believe they need to be shared. I am hopeful that the connections I've established through the Walkers Project will assist in setting up my future projects.

I like taking on challenges. I am particularly passionate about the science fiction genre, which is very underrepresented in Indian cinema. I have numerous ideas and stories in this genre that I am eager to bring to life. I look forward to the challenge of exploring and expanding this exciting area of filmmaking.

Coming from a state without a thriving regional cinema, I am hopeful to make some impact there. I want to work towards making a Konkani language film because I believe our language, culture, and history have countless important stories to share.

Ambieka: I would like to make films of different genres and defy stereotypes. I want to tell domestic dramas as thrillers and investigative murder stories as melodramas.