IDSFFK: A platform for the amateurs

IDSFFK: A platform for the amateurs

 Karthika C

Thiruvananthapuram has always been a paradise for all those who approach film seriously. The city of royal tradition has hosted several film festivals like International film Festival of Kerala, Soorya film festival, female film festival and several others big and small. International documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala is the latest in the order.

K. B. Ganesh Kumar,  Atul Gurtu, Suhasini Mulay and Priyadarsan during IDSFFK

The Fourth International Documentary and Short Film Festival held this August showcased exquisite range of films from different countries. They were unique and diverse in their treatment and theme. While IFFK focuses on professional artistic products, IDSFFK became a platform for the amateurs to exhibit their talents The Festival had shortlisted over 65 films from 170 entries for the Competition section in various categories; long documentary, short documentary, short fiction, animation, music videos and campus short film.

                A Pestering Journey, an account of the two major pesticide tragedies that struck India recently, won the award for best long Documentary. K.R Manoj is the director of the film. Kaveri by Silpa Munikempana won the best short fiction award and the short Documentary award winner is Iram Ghufran for his film There is something in the Air. In the short fiction section, Barun De Joardar won the best camera person award. S. Someetharan won special mention for directing Mullaitivu Saga on Sri Lankan fight. Best music video award went to Anusha Nanda Kumar for her video Sitha Haran aur Anya Kaaniyan. Documentaries You Don’t Belong and Vertical City also got special mention.

                The Jury chaired by renowned filmmaker Arun Khopker judged the films. Other jury members were Shyama Prasad, Ayesha Kagal, Sophy Sivaraman, Gita Hariharan and Umesh Kulkarni. Suhasini Mulay, a celeberated documentary director turned actor was the chief guest. Two of her documentaries, Bhopal: Beyond Genocide and Talking Peace were also screened.

                The Festival paid homage to the reputed filmmaker Mani Kaul and Chinta Ravi, the thinker-filmmaker from Kerala who passed away recently.

                Four campus films showcasing the fresh creative talent and enthusiasm of the campuses also attracted attention of the audience.

                The debates and arguments made the open forums exciting. There were also seminars on topics of relevance and concern to the industry. The four day fest ended on 4th August.