SHE IS the head of Alizarine Productions and a member of International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). She has also been a juror at many film festivals all over Europe, USA, Australia, Asia and Africa. Here is a quick tête-à-tête with international film critic Barbara Lorey.

Q: How did you find BIFFES –2009?
A: The cinema auditoriums were mostly packed and the response from the crowd was good. It was a good opportunity for people to watch films of different genres and from different countries.

Q: Do film festivals really help to build an intellectual perspective towards films or it’s just an entertainment?
A: Audiences who come for the film festival have some mindset, they are curious to know and see cultures from different parts of the world. Yes, it definitely helps you to build an intellectual perspective; it introduces you to many new things.

Q: What do you have to say about Indian cinema?
A: I am impressed by the variety of regional cinema in India. India has a very rich heritage of film makers and young potential film makers. What is important is to develop and create films based on their own culture and showcase it to world. It is very important to preserve the diversity. Today, Indian cinema is known globally.

Q: Who is your favourite Indian film director and why?
A: It has to be Satyajit Ray, his films have a universal language. His stories were based on the Indian society with universal appeal. They are entertaining with good subject and cinematography for a broad audience.

Q: Which is your favourite or best film?
A: I have no best film but all films are interesting, it depends on how you perceive it. As a matter of fact, all aspiring film directors must watch films by Billy Wilder, Jean Renoir and Ingmar Bergman. You can learn a lot from their works.

Q: Film according to you is…
A: Film is the window to the world.

Q: Your message to the Indian film buffs…
A: Watch as many films as possible and always try to see them on the screen (cinema halls).