In an industry long dominated by men, Modhura Palit has emerged as a trailblazer, shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for aspiring women cinematographers in India. Her passion for storytelling through visuals, coupled with her remarkable talent, earned her recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. With parents as art photographers, Modhura’s inner aesthete was nurtured from a young age as she grew up amidst magical visuals. Even though her stars were aligned for her to end up in the media industry, it was only after college that she zeroed in on cinematography and realised that she wanted to pursue it as her career. She always had a strong desire to be a part of the media industry, although she was unsure about the specific role she wanted to pursue. She knew that a traditional job was certainly not for her. During her time at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, she gained exposure to a basic light setup and obtained a firm understanding of the fundamentals of cinematography. It was at Xavier’s that she discovered her genuine passion for this craft and realised it was something she wanted to pursue indefinitely.
Modhura’s journey in cinematography began at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata. She honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the art form. Equipped with technical expertise and a keen eye for detail, she embarked on a mission to break barriers and challenge the status quo.
As a member of the Indian Women Cinematographers Collective (IWCC) and the Eastern India Cinematographers Association (EICA), Modhura found a supportive community of like-minded individuals who shared her passion and ambition. Together, they strived to create a more inclusive and diverse industry where talent and skill supersede gender biases.
A tall and sturdy man lifting a heavy camera and running around the sets is what we envision when we think of a cinematographer. For decades, a woman’s role in filmmaking was confined to a heroine who only adds glamour to the 70 mm screen. Modhura feels that her challenges are only a speck of the stereotypes prevalent in the industry. Initially, many were apprehensive if she could lift a camera or handle it well. There were times when she was mistaken for a costume designer. Even though she says she has grown accustomed to and prepared for the prevailing stereotypes and gender biases, there are still moments when she experiences disappointment.
Modhura did not know many well-known individuals in the industry when she embarked on her professional journey. Hers was a self-built journey. It required breaking through numerous stereotypes, unwavering conviction, and hard work to establish her place in the industry. She realised that her craft alone would be the driving force that propels her forward. Breaking through the ice wall was challenging as she faced scepticism due to her unknown status and the gender barrier of being a petite female cinematographer. It was all about proving, one project at a time, and letting her work speak beyond her gender. The only thing she firmly believes can take her forward is excellent work.
As somebody who dreamed of becoming a cinematographer since she was a child — inspired by the artistic upbringing of her photographer parents — Modhura has come a long way. But she does not mince words when she says that despite coming from a supportive family, things were far from easy. This is because cinematography is male-dominated, often excluding women who wish to pursue it as a career. Women cinematographers in India are warriors. They are fighting a battle against patriarchy, social norms, and biology — balancing home, kids and a 100-men crew on a shooting floor.
What hinders young women from pursuing a career in cinematography? The presence of women cinematographers often comes as a culture shock to many. Traditionalists often struggle with being led by female heads of departments, particularly in the field of cinematography. Society has long established gendered job roles and associated social parameters. Overcoming these barriers is still an uphill battle for women.
Modhura’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed on the global stage. She became part of the esteemed Busan Asian Film Academy (AFA), which opened doors for her to collaborate with filmmakers from different cultural backgrounds. In 2015, she participated in the Looking China Youth Film Project, further expanding her horizons and enriching her understanding of visual storytelling.
Once Modhura overcame the initial challenges of securing film projects, her journey became a source of enjoyment and creativity. Right from the pre-production stage, she actively participates and provides valuable input to bring the director’s vision to life innovatively and effectively. Her contributions played a crucial role in executing the creative vision of the projects. Fortunately, she has not faced any biases in her movie sets. There are creative differences, but no one has picked a fight because of her gender. Besides breaking into the male bastion, Modhura adopted unconventional routes several times. For example, she shot – Ami O Manohar – entirely on an iPhone, and it went on to win the Best Debut Feature Film at the Kerala International Film Festival 2018. The film also happens to be her first feature film.
In 2019, Modhura made history by becoming the first Indian recipient of the Pierre Angénieux Special Encouragement Award at Cannes. This prestigious accolade recognises emerging talent in cinematography, and her win solidified her status as a rising star in the industry. Critics and industry professionals lauded her unique perspective and innovative approach to visual storytelling.
Further recognition followed as she was invited to be part of Berlinale Talents 2023, a platform that celebrates and nurtures emerging filmmakers. This opportunity affirmed her talent and provided a global platform to showcase her work and network with industry leaders.
A strong advocate for independent filmmaking, Modhura has always worked with new directors and fresh ideas to support and provide them with technical support. Her contribution to the world of cinematography extends beyond her film projects. She has been honoured with the PESGSPC Honorary Membership for Outstanding Contribution to International Art Photography by Cyprus Pascal English School and Greek School Photography Club. Additionally, she received the PESGSPC Grand Progress Award (GPA) from FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique), solidifying her impact in the field of photography as well. In 2023, she became the first woman technician from West Bengal to be nominated in a technical category for Best Cinematographer in the West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards (WBFJA).
Throughout her career, Modhura has worked in over 30 short films, TV commercials, documentaries, corporate films, and feature films. Her diverse portfolio showcases her versatility and mastery of visual storytelling. Films like Ami O Manohar, Amar Colony, Kishmish, Naxalbari, Dilkhush, and EkDuaa are testaments to her ability to capture the essence of a story and bring it to life through striking visuals.
Virtual reality (VR) films are a relatively new phenomenon in India. With many early adopters, it is an industry that has received much attention. Despite limited training and guidance, Modhura had the chance to work on one of the earliest VR films.
Modhura’s work extends beyond the traditional film industry. Her experimental feature film – Watchmaker – is part of the curriculum – Film Studies programme at Dhaka University; contributing to the education of future filmmakers. Additionally, she has also collaborated with renowned brands in India, lending her talent to create visually captivating advertisements that resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
What sets Modhura apart is her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and creating new visual styles. She fearlessly explores the interplay of light and darkness, challenging conventional norms and inspiring fellow cinematographers to embrace their creativity. She believes images should be felt and seen. A powerful visual can impact the audience psychologically, building a stronger connection between them and the world of the story they are viewing.
Modhura Palit’s journey inspires aspiring filmmakers, especially women, who aspire to make their mark in a male-dominated industry. Her accomplishments and accolades highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the creative arts. As she continues to evolve as a visionary artist, Modhura undoubtedly has much more to contribute to the world of cinematography, further solidifying her place among the greats.
Breaking Barriers: Modhura Palit’s Journey in Cinematography
