Films with socially relevant and contemporary themes were the highlight of ‘first step’, the short film and documentary festival organised at Periyar E.V.R College in the city on Tuesday.
The second edition of the festival was organised by the department of visual communication of the college with the aim to provide a platform for students to showcase their talent. While the first edition of the festival was confined to the students of the college, students of other colleges too were invited to view films and share feedback during the second edition.
R.Suriyanarayanan, an associate director with Gautham Menon, was the chief guest of the festival. Speaking at the inaugural, Mr. Suriyanarayanan said: “This festival is merely the first step of your career. You have to work hard and persevere to achieve your goals and succeed professionally.”
J.Ulaganathan, also an associate director with Gautham Menon, spoke.
The festival began with a special screening of the short film ‘Aa’ by V.Venmanivelan, a third year B.Sc visual communications student of the college. The film had won second prize in the recently held competition at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and also won best cinematography award in a competition organised by Bharathi TV channel, Karur. The six minute film focuses on the aspirations of a six-year-old samosa seller.
‘Kaali bottle’ by I.Maria Prasath, also a third year B.Sc visual communications student of the college was also screened. The film had won second prize in the short film festival organised at Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi. It demonstrates the transformation in the life of a rickshaw puller who gives up drinking after a life-changing event.
A total of 18 films that included 16 short films and two documentaries of students of the department of visual communication of Periyar E.V.R College were screened during the day-long event. The films were on current themes that are socially relevant in the society including education issues, alcoholism, health hazards, problems faced by college students, and superstition. After the screening of each film, the associate directors gave their feedback and advised students on the techniques of film making. They cited examples of good screenplay, casting, and narration from contemporary Tamil cinema.
More than 100 students from Bharathidasan University, JJ College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai, Bharath College, Thanjavur, The American College, Madurai, and Thiru.Vi.Ka. Government Arts College, Thiruvarur, attended the festival.
P.Thamilmani, principal, Periyar E.V.R College, and M.Blessy, head of the department of visual communications of the college, were present.
