Documentary filmmaker Krishnendu Bose on how he found his calling

According to Krishnendu Bose, filmmaking is as demanding as it is rewarding.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The next in the monthly series by WWF-India that highlights niche and unconventional green careers through the stories of well-known personalities from the field of environment and conservation

From a young age, I was drawn to storytelling and the magic of capturing moments. At 12, I began experimenting with my father’s camera and often accompanied my cousin, a filmmaker, on his projects. Those early experiences brought about a fascination with the visual medium that only deepened with time. I pursued my college education in Economics at the University of Delhi. Yet, my passion for filmmaking and environmental conservation ultimately shaped my journey.

In college, I was a member of Kalpavriksh, a student environmental action group. We organised birdwatching trips, monitored the Northern Ridge of Delhi, and participated in various environmental projects. One memorable experience was a student-led expedition to trace the origin of the Narmada during the early 1980s when the Narmada Movement was at its peak.

I found my calling in filming documentaries after I completed my education. In the early 1990s, I directed two significant films on the environmental fallout of the Green Revolution. Revolution and Good Earth documented organic farming and the effects of chemical agriculture on Indian farmlands.

A turning point came when I began exploring conservation from the perspective of communities living in and around forests. While filming in Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, I first encountered villages within forest boundaries and this opened my eyes to people’s version of the conservation model! This reshaped my understanding of the field and led me to explore the politics of forest-dwelling communities and their relationship with policies. Over the years, my filmmaking evolved into a platform to amplify the voices of such communities. I believe that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife and the environment but also about understanding the needs and aspirations of people who share these landscapes with animals.

What it takes

Filmmaking is as demanding as it is rewarding. A typical shooting day starts at dawn, with meticulous planning based on the availability of characters or events. It’s physically strenuous, especially in remote areas where we need to travel long distances on foot. On the other hand, editing is mentally exhausting and requires hours of reviewing interviews, crafting narratives, and reshaping the story to fit the visual medium. Filmmaking is not just about creativity but discipline and organisation. As resources and time are limited, the job demands careful planning to complete projects within tight schedules.

Through filmmaking, we aim to bring a story to life, by collaborating with a big team of motivated individuals and our subjects. The greatest challenge is to ensure that everyone involved shares your vision. Lately, the field is also facing another challenge: the superficial understanding of filmmaking on social media. While platforms like YouTube and Instagram are great starting points, they often trivialise the craft. One needs to understand that filmmaking is a serious profession that requires training, whether through formal education or self-driven experiential learning. Despite the challenges, learning from the people whose lives are deeply intertwined with Nature is quite fulfilling! Sitting with them, listening to their stories, and experiencing their realities offers a perspective far removed from headlines and reports. However, this comes with a responsibility to represent them truthfully and respectfully.

For young professionals, my advice is simple: love what you do. Filmmaking is physically and mentally challenging. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or resources to begin. With technology at our fingertips, anyone who is passionate can create and share stories. So, start small, learn from feedback, and grow your skills. Above all, remember that storytelling is about connecting with people and making a difference.