Shailik Bhaumik is an Indian filmmaker, inventor, and entrepreneur known for his films “Dasein” (2015) and “Burning Butterflies” (2024). Since 2016, he has been active in film festival curating and digital distribution. Bhaumik created WFCN, a platform that functions as an online marketplace for the film, media, and entertainment industries. This platform transforms the industry by giving creators direct access to finance, cooperation opportunities, distribution channels, monetization techniques, and a worldwide audience. He has curated several film festivals, including the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (CICFF), Virgin Spring Cinefest (VSC), World Film Carnival-Singapore, Luis Buñuel Memorial Awards, Tagore International Film Festival, and Cult Critic Movie Awards.

Can you tell about your early life and what inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Shailik Bhaumik: I was born in Mahishadal, a town in East Midnapore, West Bengal, and grew up in a Bengali family with a deep appreciation for classical music. At the age of 14, after reading an article about Satyajit Ray in “Anandalok,” I decided to become a film director. This passion led me to watch films by directors like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha, Rajen Tarafdar, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and Shyam Benegal.

Despite your passion for filmmaking, you initially pursued a career in engineering. What led to this decision, and how did you eventually transition to filmmaking?

Shailik Bhaumik: After completing school, I wanted to study filmmaking at FTII – Pune, but my parents insisted I study engineering. I graduated from the Haldia Institute of Technology in Chemical Engineering and worked in multinational companies like Nalco, GE, and Pentair for nine years. However, in 2013, on my birthday, I left my professional career to pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker.

How did you begin your journey in filmmaking after leaving your engineering career?

Shailik Bhaumik: After quitting my job, I started reading academic books on filmmaking and watched world classical cinemas. I was captivated by the films of Luis Buñuel, Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, Orson Welles, and Akira Kurosawa. I wrote a script for a short film, “Few Moments Before Death,” and began shooting in July 2014. The process took a year due to my lack of practical knowledge, but it eventually became a feature film named “Dasein,” an experimental absurd drama.

“Dasein” received critical acclaim and multiple awards. What was your experience making this film, and how did it impact your career?

Shailik Bhaumik: “Dasein” was a challenging yet rewarding project. Despite the extended shooting and editing process, the film was screened at numerous international film festivals and received several awards. It established my presence in the filmmaking community and validated my decision to pursue this path.

In 2020, you started working on “Burning Butterflies.” Can you share more about this project?

Shailik Bhaumik: “Burning Butterflies” is a nihilistic psychological horror story. I developed the concept in 2020 and started writing the script. The film was shot across various locations including Jhargram, Bankura, Murshidabad, Jaisalmer, and Kolkata. This project allowed me to further explore my directorial capabilities and bring a unique narrative to life.

You’ve curated several notable film festivals. What drives your passion for film festival curation?

Shailik Bhaumik: My passion for cinema extends to celebrating diverse cinematic voices. I have curated festivals like the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (CICFF), Virgin Spring Cinefest (VSC), World Film Carnival-Singapore, Luis Buñuel Memorial Awards, Tagore International Film Festival, and Cult Critic Movie Awards. These festivals provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with a global audience.

Beyond filmmaking, you’ve made significant contributions to the digital landscape of the film industry. Can you tell about your inventions and entrepreneurial ventures?

Shailik Bhaumik: I invented WFCN, a system integration platform that serves as an online marketplace for the film, media, and entertainment sectors. This platform provides tools and resources for filmmakers to thrive. Additionally, I founded Cult Critic, a review aggregation platform aimed at elevating film criticism standards and providing a credible resource for film enthusiasts and professionals.

What inspired you to create WFCN?

Shailik Bhaumik: I was inspired to create WFCN (World Film Communities Network) in 2019 based on several key factors. My aim was to empower independent filmmakers by providing a platform where creators could directly connect with audiences, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This would give filmmakers more control over their work and its distribution. I wanted to streamline film festival submissions, making it easier for filmmakers to reach multiple festivals through a single system. My vision was to bring the global entertainment business together in one place, allowing filmmakers, producers, distributors, and consumers to interact and collaborate more efficiently. I recognized the potential of digital platforms to advance the audio-visual industry and wanted to create a system that could integrate various aspects of the film industry. WFCN was conceived as a platform where creators could not only showcase their work but also promote and sell their digital products, including films, music, and games. The platform was also designed to foster connections between film industry professionals globally, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration. My invention of WFCN was driven by the desire to create a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient ecosystem for the film and entertainment industry, addressing the needs of both creators and audiences in the digital age.

What’s next for you in your filmmaking journey?

Shailik Bhaumik: Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future. My upcoming projects include “Seventh Kingdom,” a feature film screenplay in progress. I remain dedicated to exploring new horizons in filmmaking and digital media, always pushing the boundaries of storytelling and innovations.