Film Director P. Sheshadri, Veteran actress Vinaya Prasad, Music Director-Singer Gurukiran and actor Prem star attractions

The two-day 6th National-level Short Film Festival ‘Cinerama – 2024,’ organised by the Department of Visual Communication, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, concluded recently.

National Award-Winning Film Director P. Sheshadri inaugurated the Festival at Amrita premises in Bogadi II Stage on Day-1.

Speaking on the occasion, he said: “In the film industry, we are surrounded by front light, back light and fill light. What is more significant is internal illumination.” He delved into the profound importance of visual media, expressing that while external lighting techniques enhance the visual appeal of a film, internal illumination, metaphorically referring to creativity and artistic depth, is equally crucial.

Veteran actress Vinaya Prasad, who was the chief guest, emphasised the importance of pursuing passion rather than solely chasing success.

With an extensive 32-year tenure in South Indian Film Industry, she cautioned against prioritising glamour, name or fame, as such pursuits may lead to short-lived dreams.

Valedictory

Renowned Music Director and Singer Gurukiran and popular Actor ‘Lovely Star’ Prem, who were the chief guests at the valedictory, gave away awards to winners of various categories.

Speaking on the occasion,  Gurukiran emphasised the unparalleled demand that the cine industry experiences, asserting that no other industry can rival its unique position.

He said that immersing oneself in the production team is the key to truly understanding and appreciating the resilience of the cine industry, as it provides invaluable first-hand experience.

Actor Prem said that the Kannada film industry actively seeks numerous actors and technicians. In the past, individuals had to actively search for directors, but nowadays, directors are readily approaching those with genuine talent. He also urged the audience to exclusively experience films in theatres rather than on mobile phones.

Students from Amrita gave an enchanting dance performance. Celebrity guests too danced along with the students. Later Gurukiran rendered a song titled “Amma.. Ninnee Januma..,” evoking emotional responses from audience.

The festival featured screening of top shortlisted films from budding film-makers across various States, with around 100 entries from different institutions and Universities. Prizes included certificates, mementos and cash awards worth over Rs.1 lakh.

Besides the competition, the festival comprised workshops and interactions with eminent resource persons from cinema industry. Sessions on film editing, conducted under the title ‘Selected Takes’ by Appu N. Bhattathiri, a distinguished Film Editor and Director, as well as content acquisition on OTT platforms, and career scope in non-fiction entertainment, ‘Tales Over the Top’ by Swati Sapna, Manager – Original Non-Fiction Programming at Netflix India, were organised.

Prof. Shekar Babu, Associate Dean; Prof. G. Ravindranath, Principal; Br. Anantaananda Chaitanya, Director, Amrita Mysuru; Br. Muktidamrta Chaitanya, Correspondent, Amrita Mysuru; Dr. Rekha Bhat, Academic Coordinator; Dr. Moulya Baladi, Chairperson, Department of Visual Communication and others were present during  the concluding event.

Award Winners

Best Short Film – 1st place: Parag Sawant – Pankhol (Marati; 2nd place: R. Prem Kumar – Karpi (Tamil); 3rd place: Ananthu Ramesh, Dwayam   (Malayalam).

Best Titles (Special Category Awards): Best Editor – Pradip Patil, Pankhol (Marati); Best Director – Ananthu Ramesh, Dwayam (Malayalam); Best Cinematographer – Parag Sawant, Pankhol (Marati); Best Performer: Banupriya, Karpi (Tamil); Best Screenplay – Vignesh Paramashivam,   Thunai (Tamil).

Separate categories of Amrita Awards were presented to the students of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Mysuru Campus to encourage and maintain the spirit of film-making.