A charming person who left his job in one of the top most social networking company just to pursue his dreams. Mr Mirza Arif Hazarika a film director from Assamese film industry and is associated with the 2019 movie, Astittwa.
“There are three things which need to be there: content, content and content. If the content is strong, if the content is wow then no one can stop your film.”
The Business Daily got an amazing opportunity to have a chit chat with Mr Mirza Arif Hazarika. We hope the interview will shed a light into his quest of film making.
From being an employee of world’s top most MNCs to film making, what brought you to the world of direction? Is it something you always wanted to pursue?
I have realised over a period of time that I am a story teller. It gives me immense pleasure satisfaction. So yes that’s my calling. Also I planned & decided to add value to the existing film industry to start with and explore the untouched & unexplored.
Would you like to share your struggling story?
Well every work of mine is my new work & I am a fresher, learner or struggler whatever you wish to call me. I call it my journey. During the journey of my first film I had a rocky way but support from my producer Mr Nazim Ahmed, my family and talented actors and my team, I could made it happen. And nomination in prag cine award made me realize that my work can be made difficult at various levels due to various circumstances but it can’t be ignored. I take it as a good start.
What needs to be improved to make an impact to audience?
There are three things which needs to be there content, content and content. If the content is strong, if the content is ‘wow’ than no one can stop your film. There are so many examples like Aamis, Jonaki Porua, Bornodi Bhotiai, Nadi Mathu Boi just to name a few, which have great content. If I go on with the list, it’s going to be a book I guess.
What was your state of mind during the process of shooting of Astittwa?
It was strange. Strange because it was Vulnerable & strong at the same time. I was head strong that I will have to make it happen as along as my dream & passion is concern and also, a lot of stake holders specially the actors, the producer and the team had their confidence in me. Vulnerable because there was lots of fringe group or negativity on my way which I never ever thought of and now I don’t even wish to talk about it.
How did that film change your life?
It has boosted my self confidence and fell in love with film making once again. Kind of people who have appreciated the story and my way of film making means a lot to me. People like Ravi Sarma, Pulak Gogoi, and there are lot more people who had given me much encouragement. It’s only after this film and work, that I got empanelled with Viacom 18. Thanks Raj and Vikas from Viacom18.
What inspires you to work?
Everything that comes my way, be it good or bad and of course my love for film making and expressing my observations from surrounding with my way of telling stories blended with lot of entertainment & punches.
Did lockdown had any impact in your work?
Yes of course it did impact my work like many in the world I am no exception. Rather I was hit more as I am new in the industry and due to many unfavorable situations my first film didn’t get enough screens & time. But my faith kept me going. Though I did have my lows during that time, still I could utilise in creating new contents. Hopefully lot more entertainment on it’s way this year.
If not direction than what would have been your second career option?
If not film making then no Mirza Arif Hazarika . Now you can actually relate to your first question.
Assam doesn’t have proper production house, does it put massive impact on film making?
Of course it does. When the director needs to be busy raising voucher it definitely affect the film & the entire industry get affected and it must change. Might take time but things are changing. I am hopeful. Lot of people related to this industry are working on it along with the government and we will for sure see best days soon.
Finally, how did you feel when you saw your name in the big screen?
It gave a feeling which I can’t express. It was like a dream.
Your view on the development of film industry in Assam?
We need to think beyond few screens of Assam. It has tremendous potential provided it is channelized well. If we properly channelize it with proper marketing strategies proper PR Strategies than I think it is going to be like any other successful industries of the nation. And we must rise above our personal insecurities if we have any & give variety to audiences by supporting & nurturing young talents to bring freshness. Don’t worry, we have directors like Jahnu Barua, Bhaskar Hazarika, Prakash Deka, Anupam Bora, Kenny Basumatary, Himanshu Das, Ehsan Muzid, Jhulan, just to name a few and there are lot many. Assamese films are in safe hands.
By- Manoshi Dhar and Bratadeep Choudhury
