New Delhi

Documentary filmmaker Ali Imran, who made a film on Jesus Christ in Kashmir, believes that human interest and positive stories from Kashmir must be shown through films.

The Kashmir-based filmmaker says that Bollywood mostly works under commercial pressures where trends are followed, leading to movies being made on the same themes.

Speaking with Yasmin Khan of Awaz-the Voice, he said he started writing poetry and stories during his school days.

Even back then, he was clear about his choice of career in the arts. However, on his parents’ advice, he studied engineering in Delhi and also worked as an assistant with various Bollywood directors.

A scene from Imran Ali's film

During this period, he attended many film festivals and learned about filmmaking. He said that in 2006, he made a short film which was well received by audiences.

He realised that an artist could do better work in his native language and environment. With this idea, he shifted to Kashmir.

He said that the trend of social media and reels has affected cinema. Nowadays, many scenes in films are being made on the pattern of reels. This leads to a fall in the quality of cinema.

Ali Imran said that filmmaking was a long and difficult journey. “One needs to work for at least ten years to be recognised. Therefore, patience and consistency are important. One should avoid haste and disappointment.

He plans to set up a film festival circuit.

He is getting ready to release his film Bandh after Eid.

Besides, a musical film against the backdrop of Kashmir is also in the pipeline. He is working on an international project where the story is based on the theme of Sufis.

To the aspiring filmmakers, he suggests watching Polish and Czech films and films by Iranian Filmmakers Abbas Kiarostami and Majid Majidi, for a better understanding of the philosophy and techniques of filmmaking.

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He also asks them to work as assistants to the veterans.