Cannes 2024 wrapped: Exclusive interview with Oscar Award winner Guneet Monga

You know her from 'The Lunchbox,' 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' 'Pagglait' and most importantly the Oscar-winning documentary 'Elephant Whisperers' (2023). Guneet Monga, a trailblazing Indian film producer, has emerged as a master of cinema that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Having showcased her work previously at Cannes with contemplative films like 'Masaan,' 'Period. End of Sentence,' 'Monsoon Shootout' - Monga has carved a notable impression on the global film fraternity. Recently, in collaboration with The Walkers Project and Film Companion, Monga has mentored two promising filmmakers, Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar, gearing them up for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Her production house, Sikhya Entertainment, co-founded with Achin Jain, has emerged as a pioneer in indie filmmaking, serving bold storytelling with films like 'That Girl in Yellow Boots' starring Kalki Koechlin.

However, not everything has been smooth sailing for her as the Oscar winner has had her fair share of troubles. At 16, she sold cheese, worked as a DJ and made announcements at PVR cinemas to make ends meet. Having lost her parents to health ailments at the age of 18, Monga's life is a testament to her indomitable spirit and resilience.

In an exclusive chat with this writer, Monga sheds light upon the myriad challenges she faced as a female producer, the pressing need for inclusivity in Bollywood and how indie filmmakers can take charge of their narratives.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

As a prominent woman producer in the film industry, what unique challenges have you faced in a patriarchal country like India, and how have you navigated them?

I think as women, the patriarchal structure becomes our norm. It becomes ingrained in certain decision-making. Perhaps a conversation with a client is led by a male colleague because we all felt it would be easier to digest coming from a man rather than a woman. Over decades of working, I've been privileged to be able to build a voice and lead conversations.

There were times when I projected myself as older, believing it would lend me more credibility in the industry. I coloured my hair white, wore sarees, and prayed to get spectacles. But that's also the same girl who produced 'Gangs of Wasseypur' at the age of 27.

Every time I think about how hard I have it, I look back at what my mother faced growing up. She was constantly told she was not good at anything. But at every turn and point, she would sacrifice her life and put herself down, just to make sure I got what I needed. I stand here now as proof of Amarpreet Kaur's accomplishments, dreams and passion passed on and forward.

Further, I've always approached these challenges with resilience and determination, refusing to let them hinder my progress. And when others don't leave a seat for you, it's time to get your table!

As an outsider, there was very limited access to build networks. However, it feels good to see the cinema industry come a long way. With initiatives like The Walkers Project, it is an invaluable opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talents.

What initiatives do you believe are crucial for fostering a more inclusive and diverse film industry, particularly for women producers and filmmakers?

Hindi cinema has long been captivated by the magic of its leading ladies. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift, not just on screen, but also behind the camera. Women are increasingly taking centre stage, not just as actors, but also as directors, choreographers, editors, art directors and technicians, shaping the narrative and aesthetics of Hindi cinema.

In my opinion, advocating for gender parity and equal representation in decision-making roles is paramount. Promoting diversity within leadership positions ensures women and marginalised communities have a voice in shaping industry direction.

There was a time when male colleagues had to communicate on my behalf, so I'd be taken seriously, to leading international co-productions and studio-scale projects, I've seen and been actively involved in the progress over 2 decades - the change comes from within. Fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect on set and in the workplace is crucial.

By championing diversity and inclusivity at all industry levels, we create an environment where women feel valued, empowered, and safe to express themselves creatively.

How do you perceive the current landscape for independent filmmakers in India, and what opportunities do you see for bridging the gap between established production houses and emerging talents?

Today, Indian filmmakers are creating films not just for the audience at home but for the world. While a lot more support is due for independent films and filmmakers, the scale of stories in India is so vast that it's so exciting to see what unique perspectives come from these 100s of states and languages.

While established production houses still hold sway, there's an increasing demand for fresh and innovative content, with the potential of being scaled globally.

I am a part of several initiatives that bridge the gap between established players and emerging talents, offering mentorship, exposure and networking. Fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices to create a more inclusive and vibrant filmmaking ecosystem where independent filmmakers can truly thrive.

What strategies have you employed to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, through your productions?

The 2023 O Womaniya report still suggests a lack of gender diversities across key filmmaking departments in films. The study of 156 films reported only 12 percent of head-of-department positions were occupied by women. Over the years in my two decades in the fraternity, I've watched women fight their way to make themselves heard, made some phenomenal cinema, and attempted to tell stories of the underrepresented groups that wouldn't have seen the light of the day otherwise.

I would give credit to platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, Zee5 and Amazon for also giving a home to many such stories. Therefore, I was excited to mentor budding filmmakers and create a space that has equal opportunity for everyone. My idea is to help lower the systemic barriers in accessing these jobs for women, as well as excite a new era of transformation, by offering mentorship, networking and opening up fellowships, workshops and an industry helpline to support the careers of current professionals. Women are undoubtedly the future, and I aim to create pathways for them to pursue and thrive in screen industry careers.

For aspiring filmmakers, especially women, what advice would you offer in terms of building a strategic approach to entering prestigious film festivals like Cannes?

Film festivals hold an enchanting allure, particularly for young filmmakers and producers like myself. It was at Cannes where I introduced 'The Lunchbox,' a film made possible through my attendance at the Producer's breakfast, where I discovered the treaty between France and India. At times, in our earnestness, we overlook the importance of simply moving forward.

Taking that leap of faith, whether it's a significant leap or just the initial step, is what truly matters. Throughout my global travels to promote our films and introduce Indian cinema to international audiences, I've discovered that the most effective approach is to ask openly and without hesitation. Set aside egos, discard inhibitions and engage in self-reflection with a solution-focused mindset to manifest positivity.

Your persistent thoughts will materialise eventually. Dare to be audacious, dare to be bold, and ask without reservation. Ultimately, we're all navigating our paths in this world together. Sometimes, we simply need to step aside from our own obstacles. Embrace who you are unapologetically, and just go with it. My three must-dos to attend the Cannes Film Festival are -

Attend the producer's breakfast: It's a great place to talk about co-production treaties and markets and get mentored by some of the top producers in the global film fraternity.
Come as a student of cinema: Stand in queues and embrace world cinema. Sharing the experience of watching films with like-minded individuals can be incredibly enriching. Personally, I find it both thrilling and rejuvenating.
Open all the doors and speak to everyone: Interact with peers and industry leaders at film festivals; a single conversation could change your path. Share your passion for projects with anyone willing to listen. Persevere in pitching your ideas, even in the face of rejection.

About: The Walkers Project

The mentoring sessions were led by Monga and Anu Rangachari, Jerome Paillard and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival. The program aims to provide invaluable and once-in-a-lifetime exposure and networking opportunities to 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".

"I am thrilled to be part of The Walkers Project and work closely with Ambiecka and Akshay," shares Guneet Monga, Oscar-winning producer and mentor. "This program is about more than just attending Cannes or creating short films; it's about empowering filmmakers to amplify their voices, advocate for change, and shape the future of cinema."

Anupama Chopra, the renowned film critic and Founder, Film Companion, remarks, "One of my big joys is enabling new filmmakers. With this partnership between Film Companion and Walkers & Co., I hope we can empower the two selected filmmakers to tell stories that matter. I am really excited to see the films Ambiecka and Akshay make under this programme and how they use their learnings from the Cannes Film Festival to ‘Keep Walking' and to bring to life films that inspire progress."

Ambiecka Pandit, an independent writer-director, brings a fresh perspective and relentless optimism to her craft, aiming to parcel emotional, intellectual and spiritual impulses of communities through her storytelling. Akshay Parvatkar, a scriptwriter/director, challenges societal norms and preconceived assumptions with his empathetic narratives, pushing boundaries and fostering meaningful dialogue.

Speaking on the program, Akshay Parvatkar said, "The Walkers Project promises to give me a chance to bring my stories to life on a bigger stage. I've always hoped to tell stories that I feel need to be heard, and through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I wish to collaborate with visionaries who have the power to reach a larger audience. I'm grateful for the mentors' belief in my vision and for the opportunity to Keep Walking towards my dreams and try to inspire change one step at a time."

Ambiecka Pandit elaborated how "The Walkers Project has been an incredible opportunity to partake in. "To be able to participate and contribute with my film to an initiative I feel strongly about is prize enough, but the project also gifts us the opportunity to Keep Walking and experience the largest film festival in the world. Cannes is the Mecca of film festivals, and being able to witness it firsthand will definitely be a defining experience for a young filmmaker like me. It will help see the best of art and commerce come together and understand deeper how the ecosystem of world cinema works. An ecosystem I wish to belong to."

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