Shimla: On the second day of the 3 day (26th to 28th August, 2022) 8th International Film Festival here, 33 Films were screened before an appreciative audience at the over century old Gaiety Theatre. The film screenings were followed by the interaction of the film directors, where they shared their experiences with the audience.
Kolkata based film director Farah Khatun’s documentary film “Ripples under the skin” was based on a life of 65 years old man and his reminiscence from the years he lived in Kolkatta. The story was beautifully blended with the stories of the migrants living a tug of war between finding their identity in a city that never embraced them, yet striving to create an identity. Film got an overwhelming response from the audience.
Another outstanding film screened on the second day of the IFFS was “The Boarding House”, a Persian film directed by Maryam Ebrahimvand, from Iran. Her film was based on the life of three different women living entirely different lives, however resonating with each other on the different levels of traumas and coming out of it, striving each day to reach their different goals.
Singapore based film director; Shilpa Krishnan Shukla’s short film Polar Bears is a story of an innocent 9 years old girl who wants to save polar bears. Her story uncovers how an environment lover at an early age struggles to understand the rifts with grownups including her father.
A documentary film on the life of a young Bharatanatyam dancer, Tanishka reveals the narrative of the journey of the 8 years old artist in pursuit of becoming an artist. The film is in a musical and rhythmic narration through songs, shalokas, and various mudras.
Pune based Film Director’s Raj Yogesh Desai’s “The First Laugh” was also screened and during the interactive session with the audience, Raj shared an intense experience that almost all of us felt during the Lockdowns caused by the Covid 19 situation. People, mostly living alone felt the lack of human interactions and missed their loved ones like never before. His film is based on one such story of a father and son.
Divya Hemant Kharnare’s “15 Second A Lifetime” is a film based on Digital Media splash among youth that we all are aware of. Most of the young generation engrossed in social media, making TikToks, Reels, and videos and we are all aware that our youth is submerged in the virtual life, totally ignoring the reality. The film focuses on how people waste their time on Social Media without realizing the power of internet.
National Award winning film, “Alpha Beta Gama”, directed by Shankar Srikumar is a story of a woman stuck with her would be partner and ex in an awkward situation due to lockdowns of Covid 19. The film was loved by the audience as it unfolds various layers of human personality during testing time and difficult situation.
At the open forum, 15 Film Directors participated in the discussions that ensued sharing various aspects of film making. The directors also discussed the condition of Independent Cinema and its prospects in their respective states.
On the 8th Edition of International Film Festival of Shimla, Feature films, documentaries, animation films from 17 different countries including Canada, America, Australia, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Spain, Iran, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Greece, Belgium and Denmark will screened. In all 64 films have been shortlisted for screening at the festival.
Apart from these Films, there are 27 international Films in the competitive category to be screened. There are 35 National Films under the categories of documentaries, short films, feature films, animation and music videos. The best films will be awarded on the last day of the festival. Around 50 film makers are in Shimla for the Film festival. There’s an exhibition from National Film Archives of India, Pune happening at the Exhibition Hall of Gaiety Theatre. The exhibition showcases the artwork and literature from the archives.
Besides the screening of the the festival films at the Gaiety Theatre venue, special screenings are also being held at Central Jail, Kanda near Shimla and Nahan Jail in Sirmaur for inmates.
