Face2News/Shimla
The picturesque hill station of Shimla came alive with the glitz and glamour of the silver screen as the International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) celebrated its grand award ceremony. The event, chaired by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, showcased outstanding cinematic achievements from around the world.
The highlight of the festival was the prestigious awards ceremony, where the best of the best were recognized and celebrated. Eminent film directors and producers were present, adding to the grandeur of the evening.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who graced the event as the chief guest, commended the filmmakers for their dedication to the craft and their ability to tell compelling stories. He emphasized the power of cinema in promoting cultural exchange and understanding among nations.
In his address, Governor of Himachal Pradesh expressed his enthusiasm for the festival and emphasized the importance of cinema as a medium of cultural exchange. He said, "The International Film Festival of Shimla has become a regular feature for our state, fostering a deeper connection between Himachal Pradesh and the global film community. Through the power of cinema, we share our culture, values, and stories with the world."
The International Film Festival of Shimla, in its 9th edition, has always been a platform that bridges cultures through the art of cinema. This year was no exception, as the festival screened a diverse array of films that captivated audiences and jurors alike.
The festival, which took place from 22 to 24 September 2023 featured a remarkable selection of films across various categories, from thought-provoking documentaries to compelling narratives. Filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from all corners of the globe descended upon Shimla to witness this cinematic extravaganza.
Festival Director further added that likewise, its previous editions International Film Festival of Shimla has an unusual screening of its 9th edition at Model Central Jail Kanda and Nahan. There is one more screen in Institute for children with special Abilities Dhalli for special children where 130 students see films in their campus.
The festival is featured with a diverse selection of films from 20 countries and 24 states, including shorts, documentaries, and feature films, offering a captivating array of cinematic experiences to the audience. This year 38 International category,62 National and 5 films in State category has been officially selected for the competition. In International category filmmakers from United states of America, Belgium, Iran, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Turkey, Nepal, Egypt, Bangladesh, Italy, Poland, Argentina, Sweden, Afghanistan, Australia, France and Dubai are participating. While twenty-one states are participating from India viz., Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Manipur, Assam, Delhi, Punjab, West Bengal, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Gaiety Theatre, an iconic heritage venue nestled in the heart of Shimla, is an ideal backdrop for this cinematic extravaganza. Its historic charm combined with state-of-the-art screening facilities will provide a unique and immersive experience for festival attendees.
NOTABLE AWARDS PRESENTED DURING THE CEREMONY INCLUDED: INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM:
Best Feature Film: Nargesi, Director: Payam Eskandari Country: Iran Language: Persian
Festival Mention Feature Film: For The Sake Of Ava, Director: Mohsen Seraji, Producer: Faranak Foroutan, Country: Iran, Language: Persian
SHORT FILM: Best Short Film: Royav Director: Mohammad Reza Mohammadi Country: Afghanistan
Language: Persian
Festival Mention Short Film: Naree Director: Mohammad Arafatur Rahman Producer: Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh No Dialogue
Festival Mention Short Film: NELUMBO Director: Abbas Khademalrasoul, Iran Language: Persian
DOCUMENTARY: Best Documentary: Seven Thousand Souls Director: Sanjin Miric, Country: Czech Republic Language: English
ANIMATION Best Animation Film: On / Off Director: Nicolas P. Villarreal, Country: Argentina No Dialogue
NATIONAL FEATURE FILM: Best Feature Film: Akashathinu Thazhe, Director: Lijeesh Mullezhathu, ROM: Kochi, Kerala, India, Language: Malayalam
Festival Mention Feature Film: DAHINI - THE WITCH, Director: RAJESH TOUCHRIVER , FROM: Hyderabad, India , Language: Hindi
Festival Mention Feature Film: Beyond the 7 Seas Director: Pratheesh Uthaman & Dr Smily Titus FROM: Kochi, Kerala, India Language: Malayalam
Festival Mention Feature Film: Vindhya Victim Verdict V3, Director: AMUDHAVANAN P FROM: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Language: Tamil
SHORT FILM: Best Short Film: Ekaki Director: Rupam Jyoti Malakar FROM: Guwahati, Assam, India
Language: Assamese
Festival Mention Short Film: LIB: Life is Beautiful Director: Baijuraj Chekavar FROM: Kozhikodu, Kerala
Language: Malayala
Festival Mention Short Film: Pratibada, Director: Jitendriya Pradhan , FROM: Bhubaneswar, Odisha Language: Odia
Documentaryl Best Documentary: FATIMA, Director: Sourabh Kanti Dutta From: Kolkata, West Bengal
Language: hindi
Festival Mention Documentary Film: SHAKILA – The Collage of Struggle, Director: Subhasis Chakraborty
FROM: Kolkata, West Bengal, Language: Bengali
MUSIC VIDEO: Best Music Video: Chiya Bare Bare, Director: Gul Riyaz, Srinagar From: Kashmir. Language: Kashmiri
HIMACHAL (STATE)
Short Film: Best Short Film- What are you Searching, Director: Princy Pal From: Kullu Language: Kulluvi
Festival Mention Short Film: SAAS Director: Rajneesh Chauhan From: Shimla Language: Hindi
The jury panel, comprised of film critic and veteran filmmakers, had the challenging task of selecting the winners from the outstanding submissions. Their dedication to maintaining the integrity of the awards was evident in the quality of the films recognized. National award winning filmmaker Farah Khatun from West Bengal, National Award winning filmmaker Pampally from Kerala, Award winning filmmaker and writer from kerala Rajesh James and Shriniwas Joshi, ret IAS from Shimla, Sarvchetan Katoch, Associate Professor of English literature and writer of books on Cinema , former fellow of IIAS, Shimla was among the eminent juries.The jury panel, comprised of film critic and veteran filmmakers, had the challenging task of selecting the winners from the outstanding submissions. Their dedication to maintaining the integrity of the awards was evident in the quality of the films recognized. National award winning filmmaker Farah Khatun from West Bengal, National Award winning filmmaker Pampally from Kerala, Award winning filmmaker and writer from kerala Rajesh James and Shriniwas Joshi, ret IAS from Shimla, Sarvchetan Katoch, Associate Professor of English literature and writer of books on Cinema , former fellow of IIAS, Shimla was among the eminent juries.
The success of the festival was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the organizing committee, sponsors, volunteers, and the enthusiastic audience. Their passion for cinema and their commitment to promoting art and culture were instrumental in making this event a resounding success.
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur said that screening in Jail and in Institute for children with special Abilities Dhalli is an opportunity to bring the magic of cinema to unexpected places and engage with audiences in a meaningful way. They truly deserve opportunities to explore outside world and there is no better way than cinema that can show various glimpses of contemporary society, creative elements of existing lives of people and it can make the inmates revamp their own sense of learning and creativity.
Festival Director, IFFS, expressed his excitement about this year's festival, stating, "The Three Days International Film Festival of Shimla has always been a prestigious event on the cultural calendar, celebrating the art of cinema from both India and abroad.
In three days long IFFS cinephiles, filmmakers, and enthusiasts had the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions with directors, attend panel discussions, and participate in workshops aimed at nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. From thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming narratives, the festival's lineup boasts a curated selection of films that promise to entertain, inspire, and challenge perspectives. Attendees can also look forward to engaging panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that provide insights into the art and craft of filmmaking.
As the curtains drew to a close on this year's International Film Festival of Shimla, it left a lasting impact on both the local community and the global filmmakers. The festival will continue to be a beacon of cinematic excellence and cultural exchange in the years to come.
The Three Days International Film Festival of Shimla is an annual event organised by Himalayan velocity in association with Ministry of Information and broadcasting and Language Art and Culture deptt of GoHP, that celebrates the art of cinema from around the world. It provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and engage with a diverse audience. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and inclusivity through the medium of film.