The MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone Initiative: Empowering Innovation and Creativity
The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) Select: Shot on iPhone is a two-year-old initiative that aims to empower emerging filmmakers to “push the boundaries of technology and innovation in film.” This program is a testament to the versatility and creative potential of the iPhone 16 pro max, which has been a key tool for these talented individuals. The program brings together four emerging filmmakers under the guidance of industry giants Konkona Sen Sharma, Vikramaditya Motwane, Lijo Jose Pellissery, and Vetri Maaran. These mentors have taken on the challenge of nurturing creativity without adhering to traditional filmmaking conventions. “Shooting on iPhone allows for complete personal expression,” Vetri Maaran, writer-director of the upcoming Tamil action thriller Vaadivaasal, recently shared his thoughts with Apple. “We’re living in the age of democracy in filmmaking.”
Four Filmmakers, Four Unique Approaches
• Amrita Bagchi, writer-director of the psychological thriller Tinctoria
• Rohin Raveendran Nair, creator of the magical realism-infused love story Kovarty
• Chanakya Vyas, director of the coming-of-age short film Mangya
• Shalini Vijayakumar, auteur of the comedic horror film Seeing Red
These four filmmakers have come to rely on the iPhone 16 Pro Max to achieve their distinct goals.
Amrita Bagchi: Tracking the Unseen with cinematic mode
Amrita Bagchi created a psychological thriller inspired by the Indigo Revolt, an uprising that took place in Bengal in 1859. The film “Tinctoria” utilizes Cinematic mode to track objects flying through the air. For Bagchi, Cinematic mode is akin to a “rocket machine.” It allows her to shoot at 4K120 fps on her iPhone, giving her the flexibility to adjust the pacing during editing on her MacBook Pro. “I can just shoot on the fly and make changes in the edit. The stabilization is also very impressive,” Bagchi noted. “It’s not just about the visuals, but the narrative and the atmosphere as well.”
Rohin Raveendran Nair: Capturing Intimate Moments
Rohin Raveendran Nair’s short film “Kovarty” is a love story with magical realism elements. The film showcases the relationship between typewriter and typist. Thanks to the iPhone’s compact size, Nair could place it inside the typewriter and capture compelling point-of-view shots. “The iPhone is so versatile,” Nair said. “I used the action mode to shoot multiple takes, and the stabilization is just amazing. I can capture intimate moments and emotions with ease.”
Chanakya Vyas: The Art of Action Mode
Chanakya Vyas’ short film “Mangya” is a coming-of-age tale about a young boy and his pet rooster. During a key scene, Vyas had to track his actor for 1,000 feet before sunrise. The filmmakers opted for Action mode, which allowed them to shoot multiple takes without the need for a traditional gimbal. “There’s no time to mount the camera on a traditional gimbal,” Vyas explained. “But with Action mode, I could even shoot multiple takes. The stabilization is just so impressive. I can shoot for longer periods and still capture smooth footage.”
Shalini Vijayakumar: Unconventional Storytelling
Shalini Vijayakumar’s short film “Seeing Red” is a comedic horror film about the quashed emotions of the women in a large Tamil household. Vijayakumar utilizes traditionally masculine visual devices from Tamil cinema, such as the “mass shots” where the heroes walk dramatically in slow motion. “I call these the’mass shots’ where the heroes walk dramatically in slow motion,” Vijayakumar explained. “I’m doing that for the women in 4K120 fps, and it looks fabulous. I’m bringing together my narrative, staging, and theme in a single shot.”
The iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Tool for Unparalleled Creativity
For Vijayakumar, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 120mm lens offers the perfect solution for tighter shots. It allows her to capture intimate moments, juxtapose contrasting elements, and tell a compelling story in a single frame. “I’m using the 5x Telephoto lens to bring together my narrative, staging, and theme in a single shot,” Vijayakumar said. “I’m able to place the men in front as they discuss the fate of the women in the background, while the women are reacting in the foreground. There’s so much storytelling in that one frame through that particular lens.”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cinematic Mode | Allows for smooth tracking of objects flying through the air |
| Action Mode | Provides up to 4K120 fps and amazing stabilization |
| 120mm Lens | Enables capturing tight shots and intimate moments |
As the MAMI Select: Shot on iPhone program continues to empower emerging filmmakers, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains an indispensable tool in their creative arsenal. With its unparalleled features and capabilities, this device has opened doors to new possibilities in filmmaking, ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers can push the boundaries of technology and innovation in film.
