By Neeta Vallab

1. Can you explain what Jaman is and how it works?
Jaman.com is a website where people discover, enjoy and share world cinema. Film fans can watch over 1,500 feature films via Jaman's player directly from their Mac or PC, or enjoy the viewing experience using a home cinema system. New users, get three free films when they register and after that, they pay $1.99 for a seven day rental or $4.99 to purchase a movie. It is an affordable way to legally watch great movies.

2. What need does Jaman fill?
The gap between theatrical and on-line release is shortening globally, and we are part of that movement. Most importantly it brings hundreds of movies to a broad audience. 99% of films have no theatrical distribution, and film fans have very limited options to access full length feature films. Jaman enables fans to do more than watch films. Communities are created around films, genres and film makers.

3. How is it different from the current streaming movie sites on –line?
The Jaman player is a proprietary system that enhances the film watching experience by enabling a Hi-Def experience. Jaman incorporates various social networking features that make it possible for film fans to interact with each other and the film makers, through real time discussions while watching a film, and on-going dialog about the movie. We are the pioneers of Social Cinema. Film-makers can promote their own movies through a series of features that enables fans to get a closer look at the movie and its makers.

4. Why did Jaman chose to strike a distribution deal with India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)?
Everyone knows about Bollywood, but fewer people know about India’s rich cinematic history outside of Bollywood. Our partnership with NFDC makes the work of India’s top directors available to anyone with internet access. These films clearly show that alongside a prolific Bollywood film industry, India has a deep and rich history of cinematic excellence. This deal enables us to bring these gems of Indian cinema to the broadest audience possible.

5. Who exactly is the NFDC?
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is the Indian government’s primary agency dedicated to promoting excellence in Cinema. Over the years the NFDC has provided a wide range of services essential to the growth of Indian cinema. The NFDC (and its predecessor the Film Finance Corporation) has funded / produced over 300 films. These widely acclaimed films have won many national and international awards.

6. What films will be included in the deal?
This is a thirty film internet worldwide premiere and the collection includes 3 films from Satyajit Ray, regarded as one of the most important filmmakers/directors in the history of cinema, as well as films from acclaimed directors Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen and many others! Other Titles include:
• Kundan Shah’s classic “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron”
• Satyajit Ray’s, “Agantuk”
• Shyam Benegal’s trilogy, “Mammo”
• Main Zinda Hoon - Sudhir Mishra
• Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro - Saeed Mirza
• Antareen - Mrinal Sen
• Mirch Masala - Ketan Mehta

7. Why have these been so hard for films fans to access?
Of these thirty, only five are available on Netflix in the US. Most are not readily available at local Indian grocery stores or even in India.

8. Have any of the film makers weighed in on the deal?
Overall the response has been very positive. In a meeting with Sudhir Mishra, he expressed a great deal of excitement about being able to not only bring his movies to a larger audience, but to be actively involved in promoting his films and interacting with his fans.

9. What are the larger goals of Jaman?
Our main goal is bringing great cinema to a worldwide audience and enhancing the film watching experience. We are helping to level the playing field for 100s of talented film- makers from around the world who have managed to fund and make their films but who may not be plugged into the high priced high powered distribution systems that bring films to the public.

Jaman is currently offering EGO readers 3 free downloads. EGO readers can savor these world cinema gems by clicking here or visiting http://www.jaman.com/community/india/