Ilm, world's first NFT funded film, sees a grand premiere

Sunday, May 22 was a historic evening as stars and media gathered to celebrate the premiere of the world's first NFT funded film, Ilm, a moving short following the relationship between an 11-year-old and his grandmother.

Actor Vishal Malhotra, who is still remembered for his work in Ishq Vishq, Jannat, Kismat Konnection and Salaam-e-Ishq, has turned director with the drama and also written it.

Ilm's premiere was attended by Vishal, who makes a special appearance in the film, co-star Suchitra Pillai and the rest of the cast. The grand launch was also attended by music composer Anu Malik, who shares a good rapport with Vishal.

While addressing the press at the premiere, Vishal Malhotra said that everyone present at the event was part of something "historic".

"This is a matter of pride for all of. It's a big deal for us that the world is watching us with a magnifying glass through this film.

In the US and other western countries, the use of NFT is quite advanced. But in India, it has happen only now and hence it's an important development for us."

Vishal also shared how this development would become a blue-print for aspiring filmmakers across the world as it makes the process of bringing one's vision to life feasible.

"When earlier I had to make a film, I would take money from my family and friends, which would mean they could interfere in its making. So, I wouldn't have been able to realise my vision. But with Ilm, all that was taken care of."

Ilm will also release on a digital platform. Earlier in a press statement, Vishal had spoken about turning director with the film and the "responsibility" that the position of a filmmaker bears.

"It was a great experience to learn and understand how difficult it is to hold the torch of such a big responsibility.

Directing a film is a very subjective thing as you are literally showing the audience how you see the world through your own lens. And the way I see 'Ilm' is that it involves happiness, grief, trauma, fear and struggle.

And I hope to convey these feelings to the audience and wish that they will feel these emotions just as I did while I was directing it," he had said.

Photos By Rakesh Dave