BHUBANESWAR: Subjects like infidelity, society and importance of money were showcased through short films at the three-day International Short Film Festival(ISFF), Bhubaneswar.
A first-of-its kind event, all the films showcased were of eight to 20 minutes duration and in languages that included English, Telugu, Tamil and Marathi.
Highlight of the festival however, was the presence of acclaimed thespian and actor Tom Alter who staged a hard hitting play ‘When God said Cheers’ to a packed audience, on day one.
“Kala ki talaash mein zindagi ko mat bhooliyega”, was his advice to the aspiring young filmmakers of the State. The festival also included the likes of Cyrus Dastoor-founder of the Shamiana Short Film Club, filmmaker Nirad N Mohapatra and Mujibullah Khan from the Orissa Film Development Corporation.
While open source animation flick Sintel was appreciated by the audience, Baiano, an Italian movie directed by Elisabetta Bernardini, that centred around the lives of two estranged friends, touched the hearts of many.
Ranvir Deb, a professional photographer and a participant at the festival, said the festival was one of a kind and selection of movies was good.
The idea behind conducting the film festival in Orissa was to educate the masses about serious film-making.
Jubanashwa Mishra, the Director of ISFF, said, “The festival was aimed at involving filmmakers, cinematographers and students of film and media institutes, in illustrating and exposing them to the viability of high quality short films”.
The first film showcased was based on eminent writer Pratibha Ray’s story ‘Mokshya’. It was directed by Vijaya Nishanka, a product of Film and Television Institute of India(FTII). A unique aspect of the festival was showcasing of all genres, except documentaries.
Thus, the festival attracted a crowd of film lovers and professionals from all parts of the world.
Speaking on the occasion, filmmaker Mohapatra, also the founder of Film Society of Bhubaneswar and known for his internationally acclaimed movie ‘Maya Miriga’, stressed on cinema as a medium to express world views and life literature.
Organised at the KIIT School of Film and Media Sciences, the film festival ended on February 27.
