Guwahati: Preparations for the fifth edition of Chitrabharati Film Festival, one of the largest short film & documentary competition and festival in south Asia, begin across the country. The acclaimed festival is scheduled to take place in Panchkula of Haryana on 23 to 25 February next.
The festival’s poster was officially launched in Guwahati too, where Northeast film and TV technician’s association president Rajen Rajkhowa, Assam cultural journalists association general secretary Subanu Bora, promising actress Kinkini Bhattacharya and well known film critic Utpal Datta were present.
Datta, also president of Chalachitram, emphasized on more participation from Assam in the festival that is organized with a specific vision and mission. He urged local filmmakers to seize the opportunity participating in it and showcase their works to a wider audience.
It may be mentioned that recognizing the role of films in disseminating information and providing entertainment to mass people, a group of film enthusiasts founded Bharatiya Chitra Sadhana in 2016. The organization aims to promote films that embody positive and constructive messages while promoting Indian values and philosophy.
The film associations from different parts of India are affiliated with the film festival. A panel of renowned filmmakers and producers selects film works and these chosen films are screened in the festival. It also organises interactive sessions on diverse subjects and provides students the opportunity to interact with the esteemed film personalities.
The competition consists of several categories, where A category includes short films with a maximum length of 30 minutes. The best film will receive a prize of Rs one lakh, while the best director and male & female actors will get Rs 50,000 each. The second best film will receive Rs 50,000 and the third one Rs 25,000. Needless to mention that all cash prizes will also accompany trophies and certificates.
B category is dedicated to documentaries with a maximum duration of 45 minutes, where the best film will receive Rs one lakh. The second best film will get Rs 50,000 and the third & fourth will receive Rs 25,000 each. C category is dedicated to the children, where the maximum duration is fixed with 20 minutes. Here the first, second and third prize winners will receive Rs 50,000, 25,000 and 15,000 respectively.
D category focuses on campus films and the duration of entries (only short films) is limited to 20 minutes. Here the prizes are divided into two subcategories namely film education institutions & professional students and amateur students. The first prize for best film in both subcategories is Rs 50,000 and the second prize will fetch Rs. 25,000. Additional awards include best director, best male & female actors will receive Rs 15,000 each.
Filmmakers interested in participating in the competition should submit their films by September, said the organisers. Main themes of the festival revolve around women empowerment, employment, harmony, environment, tribal society, rural development, Vasudeva Kutumbkam, etc. There is an additional category dedicated to children’s films focusing on brave children, innovations in children’s education, and moral education.
