The 11th SIGNIS Tamil Nadu Short Film Festival

 

SIGNIS TAMILNADU LAUNCHES THE 11TH EDITION OF THE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2023
Asia
India
The 11th SIGNIS Tamil Nadu Short Film Festival was held on 17 August 2023 at Nirmala College,
Coimbatore in collaboration with Madha TV and De Sales International Film and Media Academy
(DESIFMA).

Around 900 students from colleges in and around Coimbatore participated in the festival. Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, President of SIGNIS India, chaired the programme. Rev. Sr. Kulandai Therese, Secretary of Nirmala College, was the Chief guest and Sr. Dr. Fabiola, the Principal, was the guest of honor.

The organizing team includes, Fr. Arulandam, the President, Sr. Veena, the Vice President, Mr. Leo Paul, the Secretary and Fr. Surjan, the SIGNIS TN Treasurer together with the Local Host, Fr. Vincent Pushparaj, Director of Jeevan Jothi Communications centre Fr. Thadeus, the parish priest of Christ the King Church, Coimbatore.

Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo in his presidential address, lauded SIGNIS Tamil Nadu for its contribution to SIGNIS at the Regional level, National level, Asian level, and World level. He said it is one of the most vibrant regions in the country today.

The members of the jury

The members of the jury, Fr. J. Stephen MSFS, Rev. Dr. Jenith Sekar, Mr. Gengai Kumar, and Dr. Magimai Pragasam, presented the shortlist of 10 films for screening and four for the trophy and cash prizes out of the 36 entries received for the contest.

How to analyze a movie?

The first part of the festival was a session on media education by leading television artist and media education professional, Mr. Jayachandran. The high-energy session captivated young minds with new insights and tools for creative movie viewing. He ignited the minds of the young by highlighting the two important ingredients of cinema "content and form"
He said that movies should inform, educate and offer people healthy entertainment. They must develop our creativity as well as enlighten us to lead a meaningful life on earth with dignity and respect for others. We need" film language" and the necessary tools to analyze films "critically".

 

The award-winning films and the ceremony

The second part of the festival was a screening of the films and a discussion with the respective filmmakers presented by Mr. Leo Paul in a dazzling manner.

The first prize went to the technically and aesthetically well-done film titled Po Indru Neeyaga(Go Today as Yourself), which is about a girlfriend who is determined to become a filmmaker despite her boyfriend opposition. She then enters a short film contest and wins out of 15,000 entries for her film on the theme, a ‘Pen’ can transform the world. As a reward, she becomes an assistant director to an award-winning film director. After watching her film, the boyfriend realizes his mistake and
supports her in achieving her goal.

The second film Sevakaathu Sirpangal (Protective Statues) tells about the innocent relationship between a boy who takes care of goats and a school-going girl who teaches him the alphabet. When the boy father punishes both for their friendship, as they differ in social status, a local policeman warns the father of dire consequences if he continues to do so, which goes against UN recommendations. Finally, the children were allowed to continue their friendship.

The third prize went to the film Ilakku (Aim) which deals with discriminatory practices in villages. A boy from a poor social background becomes a high administrative official one day. He then drives into his village in his official car and looks at the path that was once denied to him.
The two special awards went to the films for their profound messages A poor person can be economically poor but is rich in attitudes and thoughts. Only self-confidence and courage can create a new world for transgender people who are undervalued in society.

Student voices!

We enjoyed the whole day! Now we know what to look for in the movies said Ms. Shalini from the College of Arts and Sciences. quot;"Watching young filmmakers and hearing their experience was a great motivation for us to become filmmakers," said Mr. Suresh from an engineering college." We want this kind of festival to take place frequently so that we can develop our creative skills" said Ms. Laxhmi, a university student.

An appeal from the jury!

Dr. Magi, speaking on behalf of the jury, said: 'We were in awe of the skills and potentials of these young filmmakers. All of us have already been given all the skills we need when we were born. We just have to identify and nurture them. In case anyone wishes to become a filmmaker, your destination is SIGNIS Tamil Nadu" he concluded.

Mr. Leo Paul, Secretary of SIGNIS TN, thanked the officials of Nirmala College, the local hosts, the members of SIGNIS Tamil Nadu, the partners Madha TV, DeSIFMA and the sponsor, Markus Studio, and all the young students who made the day more beneficial, exciting and memorable.

 

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