FridayFictionFilms: A Decade of Empowering Change Through Storytelling
FridayFictionFilms celebrated its 10-year journey of crafting impactful social films this March. It all began with the ambitious endeavor of producing '52 zero-budget films in 52 weeks,' evolving into a prolific portfolio boasting collaborations with over 100 clients, all rooted in the ethos of social storytelling.
FridayFictionFilms, led by Founder and CEO Tanmay Shah, is a dynamic creative filmmaking and communications company. The man behind the company is synonymous with groundbreaking projects like the '52FilmsProject' and the acclaimed documentary 'Pinch of Salt.' His relentless pursuit of creativity and storytelling excellence has positioned him as a trailblazer in the Indian Documentary and Corporate film industry. Originating from Ahmedabad, Tanmay's transformation from a tech professional to a record-setting filmmaker serves as an inspiration. His journey, starting from esteemed institutions like the Physical Research Laboratory and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, took a pivotal turn during his tenure at IIT-Bombay. A simple request from a friend to contribute to a video game story ignited his passion for filmmaking, prompting him to leave his job and embrace filmmaking wholeheartedly.
Tanmay's crowning achievement, the '52FilmsProject,' is etched in record books, including the Golden Book of World Records, Asia Book of Records, Limca Book of Records, and India Book of Records. In the span of just one year, he crafted 52 short films, setting a trend in zero-budget filmmaking. The project not only showcased his artistic prowess but also exemplified the art of creative thinking and agile execution in the realm of short films. '52FilmsProject' was a trend-setting example of how a creative community film project can be led and how it can convert beyond a community and set a tone for incorporating an innate social and human angle into films in general. Set in Ahmedabad and making one film a week for the entire year in 2015, 400 volunteers came together to make 52 social films a success.
This unique feat brought a lot of interest in brands and corporations to pursue this way of making films. Emphasizing the importance of aligning business practices with larger societal goals, Tanmay Shah asserts, "Every company striving for a better world must communicate the deep connection between its actions and a broader cause. We advocate for such films, whether through independent endeavors or collaborations with our clients."
FridayFictionFilms' collaborative journey with global and domestic partners epitomizes excellence, innovation, and resonant storytelling. Adapting their creative approach to each project's unique requirements, they have consistently delivered compelling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.
In addition to film production, Tanmay Shah has imparted filmmaking knowledge to thousands of students nationwide, including prestigious institutions like IIM-A and IIT-B. His workshops align with pressing global issues, empowering students to utilize filmmaking as a tool for social change. His recent workshop on teaching SDG goals to college students and teaching how to make films on SDG goals.
Looking ahead, FridayFictionFilms remains committed to addressing complex social issues transcending borders in the next half of the decade. They aim to foster awareness and impact that transcend demographics, languages, and time through creative community events and timeless narratives.
As Tanmay Shah envisions, "The future of FridayFictionFilms will witness a surge in social filmmaking, sparking a soft revolution towards social awareness and impact across sectors and demographics."