The recent passing of Derek Malcolm at age 91 has brought forth a chorus of tributes from the film industry’s most distinguished voices, including celebrated documentary filmmaker Asif Kapadia. The director’s reflections offer a unique window into Malcolm’s profound influence on cinema and criticism, highlighting a relationship that transcended the traditional bounds of critic and filmmaker.

Kapadia, whose documentary work has garnered both critical acclaim and prestigious awards, shares a particularly poignant perspective on Malcolm’s impact. His experience with the veteran critic dates back to his first film, “The Warrior,” shot in India – a connection that revealed Malcolm’s surprising and deep appreciation for Indian cinema, something that caught even Kapadia off guard at the time.

The relationship between the two film luminaries developed through their frequent encounters at international festivals and screenings. Kapadia recalls Malcolm’s distinctive approach to jury duty, where his leadership style was both authoritative and inclusive. “He would let us all speak, and then told us which film he thought should win,” Kapadia remembers, capturing Malcolm’s unique blend of democratic process and decisive judgment.

What makes Kapadia’s tribute particularly meaningful is his acknowledgment of Malcolm’s influence on his own artistic development. During his student years, Kapadia relied heavily on Malcolm’s reviews in The Guardian, particularly when it came to international cinema. If Malcolm gave a positive review to a French or Polish film, Kapadia would make it a point to seek it out, noting that these recommendations were consistently rewarding. This guidance proved especially valuable as Kapadia developed his own distinctive voice in cinema, leading him away from mainstream tastes toward more challenging artistic expressions.

The documentary filmmaker’s success, including his Oscar-winning work, bears the subtle imprint of Malcolm’s influence. Kapadia’s approach to storytelling, marked by its unflinching honesty and depth, mirrors the very qualities Malcolm championed in his reviews. Malcolm’s ability to spot and support groundbreaking work early in filmmakers’ careers – as he did with Kapadia – helped shape the trajectory of modern cinema.

Asif Kapadia’s testimony speaks to Malcolm’s larger legacy: a critic who wasn’t merely observing the film industry but actively participating in its evolution. Malcolm’s willingness to engage with filmmakers’ work on both technical and emotional levels, offering constructive criticism alongside praise, helped foster a generation of directors who weren’t afraid to push boundaries.

As one of the many filmmakers touched by Malcolm’s influence, Kapadia’s reflection serves as a testament to the critic’s lasting impact on cinema. His words paint a picture of a man who was more than just a critic – he was a mentor, a champion of bold creativity, and a crucial bridge between different cinematic cultures and traditions. Through the lens of Kapadia’s experience, we see Malcolm’s legacy not just as a writer of reviews, but as a vital force in shaping the very landscape of modern film.