February 17, 2010
School of Arts and Sciences, Kochi
 

The Department of Visual Media and Communication at the Amrita School of Arts and Sciences in Kochi offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Visual Media. Graduate students can specialize in Broadcast Journalism and Video Production, Animation and Content Management or Applied Art and Advertising.
 

 

Recently the department organized a Film Fest with the objective to promote the spirit of good cinema. Eclectic films chosen from various cultures world-wide were screened over two days for the hundred and fifty participants. “A filmy weekend ahead for all film-lovers in the city,” wrote the Indian Express in the run-up to the Fest.
 

The first day saw the screening of four films, one each from Holland, Russia, Bhutan and the US. Three of these four films, Glass (a documentary from Holland about the glass bottle industry), The Old Man and the Sea (a short Russian film based on Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name) and Fiddler on the Roof (an American feature film) were Academy Award winners.
 

The fourth, The Cup, was a comedy film, produced in Bhutan. The first feature-length motion picture to be filmed in this mountainous neighboring country of ours was made by Khyentse Norbu, a prominent Llama in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. What made the organizers choose these particular films?
 

“We wanted to facilitate the exquisite visual expression of the most exciting and thought-provoking social and adventure-related feature and documentary films from around the world.” The organizers had invited film, media, communication and journalism students, researchers and faculty and film enthusiasts to attend.
 

The second day began with a screening of the British classic, To Sir, With Love. This was followed by a German and a Chinese film. Prof. C. S. Jayaraman, a famous painter and sculptor, also an expert in Film and Media Studies offered an introductory class focusing on several nuances of the screened films.
 

The fest also included contests that were open to all. Dharana, the public awareness ad-film competition saw several entries with themes such as saving water, electricity, fuel, protection of nature, patriotism, good health, cleanliness and social responsibility. Cash prizes were awarded to all contestants.
 

 
Student-delegates also participated in Dhwani, the film quiz. The fest was inaugurated by Sri Soorya Krishnamoorthy, Founder-Director of Soorya Stage and Film Society. The delegates were welcomed by Dr. U. Krishnakumar, Director, Amrita School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. P. P. Vijayalakshmi, HOD of Visual Media, proposed the vote of thanks.