Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Mar 2: Budding filmmakers had a chance to demonstrate their creativity and trade ideas at “Shooting Stars”, a National-Level Short Film and Documentary Competition cum workshop, conducted by The Department of Journalism, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore, here on Saturday.

The surge in short films was evident with 32 short films and documentaries being submitted from all over the Nation.

The program was inaugurated by K M Chaitanya, award winning filmmaker and BBC documentary maker. He expressed his joy at being in Mangalore, as it held a special place in his heart. “The importance of a filmmaker is to be innovative” said  Fr Dr Swebert D’Silva, principal, St Aloysius College. Vice principal, Dr Veronica Judith Carlo, registrar Dr A M Narahari, dean of Arts, Dr Alwyn D’Sa and student convener, Pushyarag Shetty were also present.

The workshop conducted by Chaitanya titled, “Fiction and Non-Fiction: Limitations and Possibilities” saw an innovative approach to lecturing with the screening of a documentary, ”Breakin’ Bombay” on the lives of b-boy artistes in Mumbai made by the students of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Chaitanya explained it would open to avenues of interest to the student audience and invited a discussion post the documentary where different documentary making factors were dealt upon. It was followed by a screening of stills of an eclectic mix of movies ranging from “Charulatha”, “Dil Se” to “A Few Good Men” and “The Silence of the Lambs”. The use of light to portray the subtleties of character in the movie “Dil Se” was heavily discussed upon. The use of sub-text in dialogues (“Philadelphia) and symbolism (“Inglourious Basterds”) were talked  about in detail with the students posing many questions to the filmmaker who answered in detail, peppered with movie references with his trademark ease and humility.

When asked about the legitimacy of Indian movies that were ripping off plots from Hollywood movies,  Chaitanya lamented, “Plagarism is creative poverty”. While he admitted that it was rampant in Bollywood, he was quick to point out that action would be taken as India was one of the signatories of the International Copyright Act.

Dr Veronica Judith Carlo addressing the gathering said, "K M Chaithanya looks very simple but he is a very intelligent person. Every year the Journalism department conducts this programme. Whenever I see the students in Aloysius college, they are holding a camera or busy shooting a movie. When you hold a camera in your hands, you become very active. In future I hope that our students will be in a better position, I hope that some of you will some day become movie directors, producers or a good photographer."

Fr Swebert D'Silva in his presidential speech said, "The characteristic features of a film maker is that he should be very creative and innovative. Students should be innovative in good ways."

"Film making is not easy, you must have laudable ideas. When the work gets harder, few people they try give up or they step back from the task. You should never give up. Whatever you present you act, it should come from your mind and heart. Many students do not get admission for journalism in our college. That is because our college provides a good education and many people wait eagerly to get the admission." he added.

Bhavya Shetty, HOD department of journalism welcomed the gathering. Shreya student of journalism proposed the vote of thanks and the ceremony was compered by Marissa Menezes.

Pushyarag Shetty, student co-ordinator, Jayalakshmi Alva convener, Dr A M Narahari registrar of St Aloysius college, Dr Alwyn D'Sa dean of Arts faculty and students from various other colleges were also present.

Following the workshop, the shortlisted movies and documentaries were screened, followed by the valedictory function. The chief guest, Shrikanth Rai, actor and former RJ advised students who planned to enter the film industry to be completely passionate about it.

 “If you want success in the film industry, you need to prove yourself with a lot of hard work and dedication”, said Rai.

The awards were given away with “Thiruth” by Lijo Abraham, Chethana Media Institute, Thrissurbagging the Best short film award and second best short film award was bagged “Alone” by Sonia K John, Chethana Media Institute.  Best documentary awardwas won by “Hamara Atmavishwas” byYashodhara Roy,St Xavier’s College, Goa andwith second best documentary being bagged by “Land Beyond the Bridge” by Vardhan  Dhainodhar, St Xavier’s college, Goa. Best theme was won by “Moulded into Art” by Alisha Nazareth, St Xavier’s College, Goa and the best cinematography was won by “33 Hours” by Sajid Nazar, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulum.