The Crafts Council of India — founded in 1964 by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay to protect and empower the country’s rich handicraft heritage — turns fifty this year.
To commemorate this milestone, the council is organising Crafts Film Festival, anchored by Suhasini Mani Rathnam, on July 26. The day-long festival, to be held at the Russian Cultural Centre between 3.30 and 7 p.m., will showcase award-winning films highlighting artisanal traditions like Ghond art, Phad paintings and Athangudi tile-making.
Sudha Ravi, an executive committee member of the council, says, “Artisans comprise a large part of the unorganised sector in our country and are significant contributors to the economy. But they are never given their due. Through this festival, we hope the people and process behind these products are appreciated.”
Panel discussions will follow the screenings, with eminent journalists, films personalities and craft experts participating in dialogue to be moderated by Ms. Rathnam.
A one-minute film contest, ‘Moving Art – films on Craft’, open to the public, is another attraction initiated to engage the younger demographic. The winners will have their movies screened at the festival and will win generous cash prizes. The hope is to spread awareness by mobilising the next generation to produce a collection of craft documentaries.
The festival is a first of its kind for the city and if successful, the council plans to conduct the event on a yearly basis. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/thecraftscouncilofindia.
