The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Chennai film fest to begin on December 17

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Tuesday, Dec 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Chennai film fest to begin on December 17

Staff Reporter

Ten-day event will feature over 100 films in different genres from all over the world

CHENNAI: This is perhaps the most exciting time of the year for film buffs in the city. The sixth edition of the Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF), will be held here from December 17 to 26.

The organising team, which is busy sourcing acclaimed productions from all over the world, is all upbeat now, after the State government recently assured support for this year’s festival. The government has given Rs. 25 lakh for the conduct of the festival, organised by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF), organisers said.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in this connection, S. Kannan, president, ICAF, said nearly 40 countries were being represented in the film festival, which would feature over 100 films in different genres.

At three theatres

ICAF vice-president and actor S.Ve. Shekher said that the films would be screened at three theatres – Woodlands, Woodlands Symphony and South Indian Film Chamber theatre. “We are truly thankful to the government for this support. We hope this support continues in the subsequent editions too,” he said.

The Chief Minister has told the organisers that he would participate in the inaugural if he is in town. Ministers M.K. Stalin and Parithi Illamvazhuthi will take part, organisers said.

The Tamil films to be screened include ‘Subramaniyapuram’, ‘Anjade’ and ‘Poo’. Director Priyadarshan’s ‘Kancheevaram’ is also likely to be screened, organisers said.

The festival includes films that have won awards in international film festivals. It will also showcase films made by students of the L.V. Prasad Film and T.V. Academy.

A copy of some of the films were being given to the Film Institute for free screening for the benefit of the students.

‘Chennai Talent Campus’

The ICAF, in association with Cord Studio, will organise the ‘Chennai Talent Campus’ in connection with this event. A group of select candidates who showed promise in their scripts have been selected for a workshop on film making.

Following the sessions, they would make a film with their scripts.

“It is a platform for those who have a good story and the passion for film making. They needn’t have done any course,” said B. Sivakumar, CEO, Cord Studio. For further details on registration and season passes, visit: www.chennaifilmfest.org.

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