In 2004, Vikalp: Films for Freedom was founded when the then BJP-led government at the Centre had introduced a censor certificate requirement overnight for films to be screened at the Mumbai International Film Festival, and ran as a parallel festival in protest by filmmakers. "We had more of an audience than the main festival. Since then, in Mumbai, we have continued as a monthly screening every Friday evening," says filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, one of the organisers of Vikalp. Ten years ago, it was moved to Prithvi House and took the name Vikalp@Prithvi. Starting this Friday, they will begin an online screening initiative but with a twist — it's going to be interactive.

Anand Patwardhan