Sayani Gupta’s Directorial Debut ‘Aasmani’ Withdrawn from Indian Film Festival of New Zealand Over Copyright Issues
Aasmani, the directorial debut of actor Sayani Gupta, is currently at the center of controversy after the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ) withdrew its invitation to screen the short film. This decision comes amid a formal dispute regarding the film’s originality, prompting Gupta to finally address the allegations surrounding her work. The situation has raised questions about copyright and the integrity of artistic expression in the film industry.
Festival Cites Copyright and Confidentiality Concerns
According to Variety India, TIFFNZ’s withdrawal stems from concerns over copyright and confidentiality as a formal dispute regarding Aasmani remains unresolved. The film is co-produced by Nikkhi Advani for the Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts, alongside Dia Mirza and Ananya Rane.
Petrina D’Rozario, the director of TIFFNZ, confirmed the festival’s decision, stating that they had informed the filmmaker about the withdrawal. D’Rozario emphasized the festival’s responsibility to protect the integrity of filmmakers and the platform it has built. She noted, “Stepping back from the screening was the collective, responsible course of action once a credible copyright and confidentiality concern was raised alongside an ongoing formal process.” She clarified that this move was not a judgment on the merits of the dispute but a precautionary measure to maintain TIFFNZ as a fair and trusted platform.
Sayani Gupta Denies Allegations, Calls Film Original
Breaking her silence, Sayani Gupta asserted, “I want to begin by clearly stating that Aasmani is an original film. Till now, I chose not to speak. Not because silence meant acceptance, nor because I had nothing to say.” Gupta expressed her belief that the facts should be addressed through appropriate channels rather than social media or public opinion. She remarked, “But silence can sometimes bury the truth under noise.”
Gupta shared insights into the film’s origins, stating, “I was born and raised in Bengal, in a world surrounded by stories, folklore, literature, philosophy and humour, long before I knew I would someday direct a film.” She described the story, which revolves around a witty grandmother, her cheeky granddaughter, and their observant powder blue car named Aasmani, as “a homage to the indomitable women whose shoulders I stand on today, and the values they instilled in me.”
Addressing the Conflict Directly
Gupta addressed the conflict head-on, acknowledging that a fellow filmmaker from FTII had raised concerns. She stated, “She has every right to raise a grievance. And I have respectfully held my truth.” Gupta emphasized that the claim was based on assumptions and was made without the other filmmaker having seen her short-fiction comedy film. She added, “There is a difference between an allegation and a finding. What has been troubling to watch is this become a copyright issue when it absolutely isn’t one.”
Further discussing the implications of copyright, Gupta noted, “Copyright protects expression, not every shared idea or emotion.” She reflected on her learning experience regarding copyright, saying, “Ironically, this one experience has taught me more about copyright than in the last 15 years.” Gupta concluded, “My film is about freedom. And I believe freedom is the only thing worth fighting for. There is a difference between speaking loudly and speaking the truth. The rest belongs to facts, process and time.”
Written, directed, and co-produced by Gupta under her banner Sayani Gupta Movies, Aasmani features veteran actor Revathy alongside Daria Bedi and Abhay Kaul, marking Gupta’s formal transition into filmmaking.
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