Highlights of 2nd International Film festival of Shimla, 2016

BENGALURU: Thousands of people came together from 22 different countries around the world to witness a two-day second International Film Festival in the hill town of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). All in all, 55 Films from different Countries in the various category (including regional films) was screened in this event, at historical GaietyTheatre.

The event was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh where oodles of new and experienced filmmakers took part in this film festival. The motive behind organizing such festivals has been to bring quality films to the platform where true talent can get a boost and also learn from other competitors. It also introduces and educates people on the culture background of different regions and also contains social messages for all. The hot topics for short films, documentaries and animation usually are on social, environmental issues, Naxalism, terrorism, and many others.

Here’s a highlight of notable winners from the IFFS, 2016:

• Best short film (International category): Aina-the mirror (a Bangladeshi movie by MD Tauquir Islam)
• Best short film (national category): Chaukhat-the frame (by Umesh Mohan Bayade from Mumbai)
• Best feature film (national category): Tulsiapa ( an Odiya movie by Amiya Patnaik)
• Best documentary Film: Hunt (by Biju Topo of of Jharkhand)
• Best Film in animation(animation category): Agrinoui (From Cyprus directed by Alexis Chaviaras)
• Special Jury Award (International category): The Poster (Bangladesh), by Ahsif Khan in short films category
• Special jury award (short films category): Unfriend was bagged a Malayalam movie, by Lijin Jose and Shahina Rafee in.
• Best documentary movie (International category): Bhagyale Bache Kaharu, a Nepalese movie by Ganesh Pandey. The movie is based on the victims of Nepal earthquake.

The awards were given by the hands of Governor ‘Acharya Devvrat’. Governor also the viewed the premiere of the movie "Laal Hota Darakht", directed by Dev Kanya Thakur, in a non-competitive part of the film festival. Several awards were given to other featured films in the respective category.

The film festival was solely to encourage short films, animation, and music videos drive. Organizers for the events include Himalayan Velocity in collaboration with Art Language and Culture Department of Himachal Government. The effort is to develop a good taste for cinema among the youths and to provide staging to the independent filmmakers.

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