Moving Focus, the National Award-winning documentary celebrating filmmaker Gautam Ghosh’s artistic journey, is set to make its official premiere at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) on November 8. After winning the Best Editor (Non-Feature) award at the 71st National Film Awards, the film has become one of the most talked-about works in India’s contemporary documentary landscape.
Moving Focus explores the life, vision, and cinematic philosophy of Gautam Ghosh — a master storyteller known for his deep humanism and poetic visual language. The documentary dives into his creative evolution, his unique camera aesthetics, and his profound ability to capture the essence of ordinary lives with extraordinary empathy.
Produced by NFDC Films Division, a key institution in Indian film documentation and archival work, the documentary is directed by Caesar Das and runs for 70 minutes. It has been made in English, Bengali, and Hindi, with English subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
Editor Niladri Roy, who received the National Award for his work on the film, described Moving Focus as a deeply personal project. “Working on the cinematic journey of a legend like Gautam Ghosh has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” he said. For him, the recognition is both a moment of pride and a powerful motivation to continue pushing creative boundaries.
What makes Moving Focus truly special is its approach — it’s not just a biographical account but a philosophical exploration of cinema itself. The film dissects how Ghosh views storytelling as an act of compassion and how his camera transforms the human condition into art. It offers rare insights into the filmmaker’s process, his struggles, and his unyielding belief in the social power of cinema.
The team behind Moving Focus is especially thrilled about its upcoming KIFF 2025 screening. For them, Kolkata is more than just a venue; it’s a city that shares a soulful bond with both Ghosh and his cinematic legacy. “We believe Kolkata’s audience will connect deeply with this film,” said a member of the production team. “It’s a film made for those who see cinema as both reflection and resistance.”
At a time when Indian documentary cinema is gaining global recognition, Moving Focus stands as a symbol of creative excellence and narrative innovation. It bridges the gap between personal biography and cultural commentary, offering an intimate yet universal story about art, empathy, and endurance.
As the countdown to KIFF begins, all eyes are on how Moving Focus will resonate with audiences and critics alike. Judging by its national acclaim and early buzz, the film is already redefining how documentary storytelling can engage both emotion and intellect.
Whether one is a filmmaker, student, or cinema lover, Moving Focus promises to be a must-watch reflection on Gautam Ghosh’s cinematic philosophy and India’s evolving film culture. It captures not just the man behind the camera, but the world seen through his compassionate lens — a world that continues to move, focus, and inspire.
