At BIFFes, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker outlines the ethics, empathy and intent that transform nonfiction cinema into social dialogue
Bengaluru, NFAPost: A documentary succeeds not when the screen fades to black, but when it provokes reflection, dialogue and change. This was the central argument put forth by renowned documentary filmmaker Maya Chandra during a thought-provoking session at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes).
Speaking at a panel titled “The 12 Rules of Documentary Filmmaking” on the fourth day of the festival, Maya Chandra offered a nuanced exploration of documentary direction, preparation, narrative construction and the larger social impact of nonfiction cinema.
“A good documentary must begin a conversation,” she said. “When the film ends, a dialogue should begin. If a documentary is made meaningfully and with strong storytelling, it reaches people in a deep and lasting way.”
Clarity of Purpose Above All
Maya Chandra emphasised that documentary filmmaking is not restricted by background or resources, but by intent.
“Anyone can make a documentary, provided the intention is right,” she said. “Before you start, you must clearly answer one question—why are you making this documentary?”
According to her, clarity of purpose shapes every creative decision, from framing and pacing to ethical responsibility toward subjects.
She cautioned against mimicking the frenetic pace of commercial streaming content.
“In the age of Netflix and Amazon, speed and noise dominate,” she observed. “But documentaries should not follow that template. A documentary has its own rhythm. It must be made with empathy. The audience should feel the story, not just watch it.”
When Cinema Creates Real-World Impact
One of the most moving moments of the session came when Maya Chandra recounted a real-life incident that inspired one of her documentaries—illustrating the power of cinema to effect tangible social change.
She spoke about Harish, a Bengaluru resident who died in a road accident, whose body was severely damaged. Despite the circumstances, his family chose to donate his eyes.
“That incident shook me,” she said. “I travelled to his village and made a documentary, asking a simple question—if Harish could donate his eyes in such a tragic condition, why shouldn’t those of us in good health do the same?”
The response was extraordinary. On the 11th day after Harish’s death, more than 300 people from his village near Tumakuru pledged to donate their eyes within just two hours—a record that underscored the documentary’s impact.
“That day, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment,” she reflected. “It reminded me why I chose this path.”
Documentary as an Act of Empathy
Throughout the session, Maya Chandra stressed that documentaries demand sensitivity and patience.
“This is not about speed or spectacle,” she said. “It is about compassion—towards the subject and the audience.”
She screened excerpts from her own documentaries, breaking down how narrative choices, silence, and visual restraint can amplify emotional truth without manipulation.
An Engaged Audience, A Lasting Lesson
The session drew strong participation from aspiring documentary filmmakers and students, many of whom engaged actively with questions on ethics, storytelling and responsibility.
By the end of the discussion, one message stood out clearly: documentary cinema, when done with honesty and purpose, becomes more than a film—it becomes a catalyst for awareness and action.
At BIFFes, Maya Chandra’s masterclass reaffirmed the enduring relevance of documentaries in an era saturated with content—reminding audiences that meaningful stories still have the power to move hearts, minds and communities.
