Rajasthan is actively developing into an ideal space
for filmmakers apart from offering wonderful locales which has been the fancy
of our Bollywood since time immemorial. Naturally, adding more festivals to its
list was also on the privy o many. After Jaipur, now Rajasthan has added one
more festival to its list. Yes, a documentary, animation and short film
festival is soon to be held in the desert city of Rajasthan, Bikaner from the
20th to 21st of December 2014.
Titled as the Sand Dunes International Short
Film Festival (SDISFF), it has been conceived by few short film enthusiasts of
Bikaner under the aegis of Lokayan, a non-profit organization. The SDISFF is an
experimental platform for both film professionals and amateur film makers to
catalyze short film and documentary movement in India.
The brain child of Sunil Joshi (Festival
Director) who is an engineer by profession and presently working in Indian
Railways is also an amateur short film maker. He is ably supported in this
venture by Gopal Singh Chouhan (Festival Co-ordinator) who is an avid music-lover,
researcher, event organiser and cultural activist from Bikaner. Through
cultural heritage NGO Lokayan and his newsletter Yuvayan, Gopal campaigns for
the restoration and preservation of Bikaner’s beautiful carved havelis, amongst
other cultural ventures. He also works closely with Shabnam Virmani in The
Kabir Project and has even successfully organised the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra - a
beautifully envisaged roving village festival, celebrating the spirit of mystic
poem and song.
To be held over a Two Day period, Short Films,
Documentary, Animation film and Public Awareness Film (Non-Competitive) in any
language with English sub-titles and of duration not more than 15 minutes,
(including credits) will be accepted. Also the first time, Rajasthani language
short films with English sub-titles are invited in a special category. Esteemed
jury for the festival has been chosen from various spheres and includes the
likes of writer/producer/director Mohan Das, actor/comedian Gurpal Singh from
FTII, Actor/Screenwriter Gopal Tiwari and Mandakini Joshi who is a Theatre
Artist.
Submission Fees & Prizes
While the submission fees for Indian
participants is a mere Rs. 300/-, International participants will have to pay
USD 15 per film. The festival has also announced Cash Prizes for each category.
While the Best Short Film is entitled for a Cash prize of Rs.11000/- plus Certificate
and Trophy, the Runner up Best Short Film in each category is entitled for a Cash
prize of Rs.5000/- plus Certificate and Trophy. However, the top three films in
Public Awareness Film (Non-Competitive) category will get Trophy and
Certificate. At the same time, Boarding & Lodging for two crew members of
films selected for screening will be provided only for the days of the festival.
To bring out unique and enlightening
perspective on short film making, Sand Dunes International Short Film Festival will
also be offering evocative panel discussions and workshops with industry
practitioners. SDISFF has tied up with Lokayan, Hansaa Guest House, and SunArc
Technologies who are actively supporting the event. Films & TV World - the online
magazine for the films and television industry is the media partner to this
event. For more details, log on to www.sdisff.org
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