The Short Talkies

In the last four months,Pune has witnessed around five film festivals on various subjects that have not only seen an enthusiastic response from film lovers but has also prompted a spate of film festivals. On September 8,Amanora Town Centre held Shamiana Nights that included screening of animated films. While,Alliance Francise Pune (AFP) showcased the best of the Clermont-Ferrand short films at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on September 7 and 8,the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC) UG is organising The East Side Story,a short film festival on September 14 and 15.

Recently Jacques Curtil,co-director of the Clermont-Ferrand short film festival was in the city to showcase 10 films that were earlier screened at France. This is AFP’s second such festival in as less as two months that aimed primarily at showing French films to Indian audienc. “In fact the festival went to a packed audience with people crowding the isles to watch the movies,” Luc Didon,Director,AFP. Held at FTII,the festival had films like Luis Bricenco and David Alapont’s ‘Fard’,Tessa Joosse’s film ‘Plastic and Glass’,’Paris Shanghai’ by Thomas Cailley and more.

This year,the AFC in association with NFAI has already held three short film festivals as a part of the celebrations for the 100 years of Indian cinema. Satish Jakatdar,of the Aashay Film Club (AFC) points out a different reason for the popularity of short film festivals – the short running time. He says,“One can easily show upto ten movies in a day depending on their lengths. Most of them are between 20-30 minutes in length and audiences don’t tire of watching the same. We usually hold feature length film festivals but the short film festivals that we do in collaboration with the NFAI have seen good responses.” Besides,says Jakatdar,unlike full-length feature films,short films tell interesting stories in less than half the time.

The East-Side Story is not just about short films but also includes a competition for the best film,best director,best animated film and several other categories. “Thus,apart from providing a platform for aspiring short filmmakers,the festival also boosts their morale whilst exposing audiences to newer films,” says Lipi Mehta,member of the core committee.