By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: FUJIFILM India, a leader in imaging technology is honored to present the premiere of ‘Becoming,’ a compelling story of a young boy’s spiritual journey to monkhood. This visual marvel, shot by acclaimed cinematographer Aseem Bajaj and directed by the talented Leena Yadav, is being showcased across major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi.
Crafted with the newly launched GFX100 II camera and enhanced with Fujinon Cine zoom Premista lenses, ‘Becoming’ is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. The film’s auditory experience is equally captivating, with sound engineering by the Oscar-winning Resul Pookutty and an evocative score by the renowned Japanese composer Shigeru Umebayashi.
Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said, “Collaborating with such talented artists for ‘Becoming’ has been an incredible journey. At FUJIFILM India, we strive to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, and this film beautifully captures the essence of our innovation and dedication to excellence. Our commitment goes beyond just providing advanced imaging tools; it encompasses fostering creative expression and supporting filmmakers in realizing their artistic visions. ‘Becoming’ is a perfect embodiment of this mission, showcasing not only the technical prowess of our GFX100 II camera but also the profound impact of a well-told story.”
The screening promised to be an immersive experience, transporting audiences into the heart of the protagonist’s transformative quest. Following the film, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the creative team behind this extraordinary project.
Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Digital Camera, Instax & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India, shared his excitement, “We are thrilled to see the remarkable capabilities of the GFX100 II camera brought to life in ‘Becoming.’ This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the creative vision of filmmakers with our advanced imaging technology. The GFX100 II, with its unparalleled image quality and versatility, empowers storytellers to push the boundaries of their craft. We are proud to collaborate with such talented artists and provide them with the tools they need to create visually stunning and emotionally compelling narratives. This film is a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology meets creative brilliance.”
Aseem Bajaj, acclaimed cinematographer, reflected on the inspiration and concept behind the film: “The concept of the movie was born out of a desire to weave a narrative about seeking enlightenment and the trials along the path to spiritual growth. We wanted to capture not only the profound inner transformation of our protagonist but also the breathtaking beauty of this region. Drawing inspiration from the chain of thoughts on how we evolve, ‘Becoming’ emerged as a visual and spiritual journey centered on a young boy’s path to monkhood. The tranquil environment of Ladakh provided the ideal backdrop for this narrative, allowing us to create a visually and emotionally immersive experience.”
Sharing her shooting experience in Ladakh, film’s writer, producer & director, Leena Yadav voiced, “Writing & Directing ‘Becoming’ was an incredibly enriching experience. The overall direction of the film was deeply influenced by the tranquil and majestic landscapes of Ladakh. Shooting in such a remote and stunning location presented both unique challenges and immense rewards. The harsh conditions tested our crew, but the beauty of the region added an unparalleled depth to the storytelling. The use of the FUJIFILM GFX100 II camera was instrumental in achieving the visual richness and emotional intensity we envisioned.”
The event was in collaboration with the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) and the Western India Cinematographers Association (WICA) to introduce large format film shooting with the FUJIFILM GFX Series of cameras and was attended by renowned actors, director, and cinematographers from the film fraternity. The film premiered in Chennai and is all set to have its premiere in Hyderabad and Kochi also setting the stage to get premiered at various International Film Festivals.
