First Cut

To mark the 100 years of Indian cinema,in Pune,where the country’s cinematic journey began with Dadasaheb Phalke,the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) will hold India’s first-ever national festival and awards competition solely for students’ films.

The institute will host the Students’ Film Festival of India and the National Student’s Film Awards from April 19 to 24. Over 100 films have been chosen for the festival,while 60 have been selected for the competition. One such film is Kaatal by FTII graduate Vikrant Pawar. It explores the relationship between a boy and girl as they journey together,before they part ways.

Another promising entry is Kachho Gadulo,the story of a man who teaches his grandson about the ways of life,his country and its culture through a board game. While the final lists of selected films and awards are still not out,students are thrilled at the prospect of a film fest organised especially for them.

The event will be hosted at the FTII campus,where a multi-tier jury will select the winning films and announce the winners at the end of the six days.