THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There probably is no other place in the country where documentary films are as appreciated as in Kerala. While the 4th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala was relatively a bigger success than the previous ones, the Chalachitra Academy is going ahead with the next and has announced the 5th Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala to be held in the city from June 8 to June 12 this year.
As part of its endeavour to catalyse a vibrant documentary and short film movement, the festival aims to map and reflect the exploding nature of the visual medium in its many facets of creativity and resistance.
While the media is now used by image-makers from all walks of life to express, experiment, learn and as an effective tool to conscientise and bring about social change, the festival has two sections - a national competition section and a competition for campus films from Kerala. Entries have been invited for both categories. The deadline for submission is April 30.
The ‘National Competition’ section has four categories - ‘Long Documentary’ (over 40 minutes), ‘Short Documentary’, ‘Short Fiction’ (under 70 minutes), ‘Animation’ and ‘Music Videos.’ The ‘Campus Films’ competition for films produced by students from educational institutions above higher secondary-level based in Kerala should be short fiction works of 20-minute duration or less.
There shall also be a non-competitive section of national and international films included in seven categories - ‘Long Documentary Section’ (over 40 minutes), ‘Short Documentary Section’, ‘Short Fiction Section’ (under 70 minutes), ‘Public Interest Spots’, ‘Music Videos’, ‘Animation Films’ and
‘Student Productions.’
In the case of student productions, the director of the film must provide proof of being a bona fide student.
There will also be specially-curated sections focusing on issues, themes, countries and the works of film-makers. The programme will also include ‘Interaction’ and ‘Workshop’ sections with media and professionals from all over India.
The best long documentary (40 minutes and above) will get a cash prize of ` 1 lakh and a certificate. The best short documentary (under 40 minutes) will get a cash prize of ` 50,000 and a certificate. The best short fiction (under 70 minutes) will get a cash prize of ` 50,000 and a certificate. The best animation will get a cash prize of ` 25,000 and a certificate. The best music video will get a cash prize of ` 25,000 and a certificate.
Besides these awards, there shall also be a Navroze Contractor Award for the best documentary cameraman, with a cash prize of ` 10,000.