For the first time, Chennai will be hosting an international film festival that will screen films, a majority of them helmed by women directors. The Chennai Women’s International Film Festival (CWIFF), organised by Eventaa Southindia Productions, will be held from May 20 to May 25, bringing in all the film enthusiasts in the city to celebrate the talent of women filmmakers worldwide. The genre of movies, however, is not restricted to women, but spans across diverse topics.
The festival saw entries from 26 countries. The works under the four categories — short film, ad film, feature film and documentary — have been shortlisted by the jury members who include film critic Madhan, director V Priya, writer and director Nandhini J and film critic Sathish Kumar.
The shortlisted works will be screened at PVR Cinemas at Ampa Skywalk and RKV Preview Theatre in Vadapalani on the five days of the festival. The winners of CWIFF will be awarded cash prize and a DSLR, a scooter, a watch, a phone and much more, on the final day. The CIFF award was unveiled by chief guest Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi earlier in March.
The festival will begin with dance and music at the inaugural function on May 20 at Vani Mahal. The third day of the festival will see a concert ‘Oh Crazy Minnal’ by Kollywood actor Andrea Jeremiah. And to trigger the mood of the festival, a flash mob is planned at Ampa Skywalk on May 18.
While the delegate passes will be issued for the entrants, the public can avail the non-entrant passes which cost `50 per head. The passes will be available at the respective venues ahead of the screening. The tickets for the concert can be bought at www.eventjini.com/andrealive and Fruit shop Greams road. Catch the screening schedule on their website www. cwiff.com