Five filmmakers grab eyeballs with their three-minute films

Narrating a hard-hitting and compelling story is tough, but, accomplishing the same in three minutes is a challenge.

CHENNAI:Narrating a hard-hitting and compelling story is tough, but, accomplishing the same in three minutes is a challenge. Several aspiring filmmakers from Tamil Nadu took up the challenge, thanks to First Clap, an initiative of Moviebuff, India’s first theatrically showcased talent hunt for aspiring filmmakers.

More than 250 filmmakers sent their entries in December 2016, out of which the five were shortlisted. Director Jayendra Panchapakesan, co-Founder, Real Image Media Technologies, which kick-started the competition, said, “We are delighted to provide this platform to youngsters. I hope the film industry gives these youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves.”

Finalists during the screening at Prasad Preview Theatre

The shortlisted finalists include Pradeep Ranganathan’s App(a) Lock, Magesh Balasubramaniam’s Indha Naal Iniya Naal, Sri Vijay Ganapathy’s Ival Azhagu, Nattu Dev’s Think & Ink, and Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam by Prabhu Jeyaram. These movies will be screened in over 150 screens across the state until April 13 and the top three will be chosen from public voting and scores awarded by the panel of juries. “The screening will happen during the interval. The five films are split into five groups. So, until April, one movie will be screened in one group of theatre for a week and will take rounds. We also have the films on YouTube, so voting can be done after viewing it online,” said Sathiesh, a spokesman.

Talking to CE, Rajasekar Pandian, CEO, 2D entertainment, said, “The top three entries will receive cash prizes. The winner will get a chance to narrate a script to us and/or will get an opportunity to intern with the production company. We are also planning to give the top 17 finalists a chance too. The quality of the films was incredible and it was tough for the jury to zero in on the final list.”
Excited about being in the top five, Vijay of Ival Azgagu, said, “It’s a dream come true for us to see our names on the big screen. This platform has connected us to both producers and the audience. I am happy I made it this far and am hoping to be in the final three too!”