Cinema need to focus on emotion, socio-political issues, conclude with universal - Kasara

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 21 Feb 2016: The department of Journalism of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) here organized a national-level seminar, documentary and short film competition ’Shooting Stars’ on the theme ’Vinduer: Cinema as a Catalyst for Liberation’ at L F Rasquinha auditorium of the LCRI block in the campus hereon Saturday  February 20 at 9.00 am.

The Chief Guest and Resource Person for the occasion was Girish Kasaravalli, Film Director and winner of many National Awards and Professor I Shanmugha Das, Film Critic and winner of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Book on Cinema. Dr Veronica Judith Carlo, vice principal of the administrative block was the Guest of Honor and Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, Principal of St Aloysius College presided over the event.

 

In his chief guest address, Girish Kasaravalli stressed upon the importance and need for film studies and clubs being encouraged in different institutions in India. He said, ‘Cinema should be a part of curriculum for institutions in India.’ He highlighted the misconception of film studies being associated with only cinematics. He emphasized that the abundance of visuals today is making people insensitive instead being sensitive. He told the audience that people today have no sense of desire for visual sensitization and that they are visually illiterate. He articulated that visual media sensitized the people about current happenings.

Dr Veronica Judith Carlo in her speech spoke about the positive impact of Journalism on society. She encouraged the students to be journalists for life for the benefit of society. She said that Journalism is a tool which can be used for good or bad and that we should make sure that good prevails.

In his presidential address, Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ said that media is a powerful source for change. He emphasized that films or media have a great capacity for learning and that movies have a great impact on how one looks at life. He urged the students to be proactive and imbibe certain values or lessons from the session.

’Shooting Stars’ was inaugurated by the symbolic lighting of the lamp by the chief guest, Girish Kasaravalli; resource person, Professor I Shanmugha Das; Guest of Honor, Dr Veronica Judith Carlo; President of the function, Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ along with Bhavya Shetty, HOD of Journalism; Jayalakshmi Alva, Convener of Shooting Stars; Sowbhagya Shetty and Neeraj Dev, student coordinators for the occasion. Dr A M Narahari, Registrar of St Aloysius College; Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Director of the LCRI block and Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Dean of the Arts faculty were also present for the occasion.

Bhavya Shetty, HOD of Journalism welcomed the gathering and Neeraj Dev proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Shooting Stars’ this year received 22 films for the short film and documentary competition along with the dubsmash, vine and photography competitions out of  which a short listed section of Short Films and Documentaries were screened during the seminar.

The valedictory of ‘Shooting Stars’ was held on 20 February 2016 at 5 pm in L F Rasquinha hall of the LCRI block. Dr A M Narahari, Registrar of the college and Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Dean of the Arts faculty were the guests of honor with Fr Francis D’Almeida, campus minster of the college presiding the event.

Dr A M Narahari, in his address said, ‘Higher education is to liberate our minds.’ He asked the audience to develop an ability to transform knowledge to wisdom. He said that every issue is complex in India and that short films and documentaries can help us look at the society more passionately.

In his speech, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, stated that creative activity is therapeutic and that is a catalyst in bringing about some change in the society. He expressed that the mind is like a parachute, which doesn’t fly if it isn’t open. He asked the students to earnestly channel their anger and restlessness through the lens.

In his presidential address, Fr Francis D’Almeida, emphasized on bringing value system into media. He said that young people have a lot of potential with everything available at their fingertips. He urged the students to be creative and make films that make a difference. Fr Walter Anrade SJ, finance officer of St Aloysius College was also present for the occasion.

 

A prize distribution ceremony for winners of various competitions was held and prizes were handed over to the winners by Girish Kasaravalli and Professor I Shanmugha Das along with Fr Francis D’Almeida, Dr A M Narahari, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Bhavya Shetty, HOD of Journalism; Jayalakshmi Alva, Convener of ‘Shooting Stars’ and Sowbhagya Shetty and Neeraj Dev, the student coordinators.
Sowbhagya Shetty welcomed the audience and Jayalakshmi Alva proposed the vote of thanks.

Winners:
 

Short Film

Ist Place: ‘Akam’ directed by Tejus
2nd place: ‘Happy New Year’ directed by Arun George
                ‘Farewell to Satre’ directed by Manish

Documentary

1st Place: ‘Land of Supersitition’ directed by Reema Tandon
2nd Place: ‘Putte Hejje’ directed by Chetan Solagi.