For the many uber-talented short
film-makers in India, it’s time for the proverbial knock of opportunity.
Manhattan Short, the international platform which showcases, celebrates and
awards short films from across the world has given a call for entries. The film
movement which begins now will culminate in a six-day festival across the world
including Mumbai this September-October. Championing the voice of the Short
Film genre along with Manhattan Short is Vivanta by Taj, Manhattan Short 2014
in India's chief patron, which was associated with the festival in India last
year as well. Vivanta by Taj has a strong bond with short films through a
variety of activities.
Having had modest beginnings in
1998, the Manhattan Short has today become the most sought after platform of
its kind. Dedicated to the short film genre and witnessing hundreds of entries
from across the world every year, the festival has long established its global
exposure. Into its fifth year in Mumbai, the global film festival is looking
for indie short films that will represent India in the much competed final
round
Unlike its older, more different
contemporaries a la Berlin, Cannes and Toronto festivals which have juries, the
Manhattan Short is powered by the audience. This means that the audience that
comes in to watch the films votes the winners. This year, Manhattan Short 2014
in India is rooting for an Indianfilm to win the global competition.
Audiences here can go to
www.manhattanshortindia.com and vote for the films they feel should represent
the country on the finalist list of the global competition. These 10 films are
screened across Manhattan Short venues around the world, Mumbai having been on
the map since 2010. What’s more, even the eventual winner is decided by
audience voting.
This year will witness Vivanta by
Taj and Manhattan Short India launch the ‘Vote for India’ initiative. Having
planned both digital (a dedicated live broadcasting microsite) and on-ground
events, this project will seek to inspire young film-makers in India to bag the
big prize. The top three film-makers from India will get a paidopportunity to
work with Vivanta on an exciting project.
The festival’s credibility
coupled with India’s indie film scene growing with surety have attracted huge
numbers of participants and cinema lovers to the competition’s entry rounds and
final screenings.
“Manhattan Short in India has
made itself into a coveted space. Right from inception, we have encouraged
numerous raw talents to showcase their works to an already established global
audience. This wide perspective is critical to see where they stand!” offered
Mr Anil Sadarangani, Festival Director of Manhattan Short in India.
Mr. Veer Vijay Singh , Chief
Operating Officer, Vivanta by Taj – Hotels & Resorts said, “We feel
extremely proud to present the Manhattan Short Film Festival in India and drive
the “Vote for India” initiative as it blends perfectly with Vivanta by Taj’s
ideology of celebrating the idiom of style and spirit. Like all our brand
properties around installations, design, music, technology, adventure and
curious discoveries, even with this interesting initiative, we aim to provide a
base for talented young Indian filmmakers and enable them to carve a niche in
the industry. India has tremendous potential and a lot of people have begun
developing an interest in making short films. We are excited to kick start this
initiative and definitely hope to see an Indian win this year’s Manhattan Short
Film Festival.”
Film lovers in Mumbai are in for
a treat during the main festival dates of October 1st to October 5, 2014, for
the screenings will be preceded by master classes and workshops by eminent film
professionals. In the past, Manhattan Short India master classes have featured
names such as Karan Malhotra, Shobhaa De, Sarika, Namrata Rao, Shan Mohammed,
Gitanjali Rao, Kailash Surendranath and more.
The venue in Mumbai, Sitara
Studio, an erstwhile theatre platform which has recently hosted independent
artists of all sorts, promises to add an eclectic vibe to the festival. It will
join venues across the world to host the festival simultaneously.
Budding film-makers will know
this call for entries could well be a take-off point for their careers.
To send in entries, visit:
www.manhattanshortindia.com
Last day for submission: July 15, 2014
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