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The way films are created and the stories that are chosen to be told are undergoing a transformation, as demonstrated by a new set of innovative short films. This year’s MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone program from the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) features four emerging filmmakers who have utilized the capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to craft unique cinematic works.
These filmmakers tell diverse stories: from a secretive romance set in Mumbai, a narrative about divinity and humanity in Kerala, a tale of a young outsider on Goa’s beaches, to a Bengali woman’s fear of losing her voice. Writer-director Sriram Raghavan, known for his acclaimed film Andhadhun, mentored these filmmakers alongside other renowned names like Chaitanya Tamhane, Dibakar Banerjee, and Geetu Mohandas. They recognized the potential of iPhone technology in expanding the horizons of filmmaking.
Shreela Agarwal, one of the filmmakers, returned to filmmaking after pursuing boxing, directing a documentary on the sport. Her new film, 11.11, explores the night-time streets of Mumbai and was made possible with the iPhone’s advanced features, which offered her team superior control over lighting and movement, allowing them to achieve shots that would otherwise require much more equipment.
Ritesh Sharma, another filmmaker, used the iPhone’s cinematic mode to delve into the internal world of his character in the film She Sells Seashells. This technology allowed him to blend reality with the dreamlike sequences crucial to the film’s narrative. The iPhone also played an essential role in sound design, providing tools that let the filmmaker focus on specific audio elements amidst environmental noise.
Robin Joy faced the challenges of outdoor and action-packed scenes in his project Pathanam. The iPhone’s stability features and Joy’s ability to conduct extensive shooting schedules without technical interruptions proved invaluable. This technology allowed him to pursue ambitious shots without the constraints typically imposed by traditional equipment.
Dhritisree Sarkar transitioned from economics to filmmaking, using her iPhone to create compelling narratives. Her film Kathar Katha explores a deeply personal story of a news anchor facing a unique medical condition. The iPhone’s zoom capabilities allowed Sarkar to capture intimate details that were essential to the emotional depth of the film, demonstrating the device’s ability to empower storytellers with limited resources.
The impact of these films extends beyond their individual stories. According to Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the success of these iPhone-filmed projects, such as the widely viewed Seeing Red and the award-winning Kovarty, is inspiring new filmmakers. The accessibility of the technology encourages more individuals to explore filmmaking, potentially transforming the industry by fostering a new generation of creators.
The four films are available to watch on MAMI’s YouTube channel, showcasing how mobile technology is redefining visual storytelling.