Earlier this year, FLAME University invited entries for its annual ‘Intercollegiate Film Festival – FirstCut 2016’. This was the second edition. During last year’s edition of FirstCut, over 150 films from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai had participated. This year it grew bigger and better, with more institutes participating. The fest received 230 entries from 22 cities across India.
With technology evolving many folds, shooting films is not limited only to highly expensive film cameras. Digital cameras and even cellphones are being used to create film content. The FirstCut 2016 festival recognized this urge of storytelling and allowed all formats for film recording. The only expectation was dedication and a whole lot of passion.
Conditionally, all students under 25 years were allowed to send their films. Shortlisted entries were screened on selected days. Makers of the selected films were also invited to FLAME University’s campus. Winners received trophies, certificates and cash prizes. The institute with maximum shortlisted and winning entries was awarded a rolling trophy as well.
The campus was brimming with students. The fiction movie segment attracted the most crowd. The event lasted two days, and there were separate juries on both days. Eminent personalities from Bollywood and the media industry graced FLAME University’s campus. The first day saw Mr. Samar Nakhate, Pune International Film Festival selection committee member, Ex-FTII Dean and Film Academician; Ms. Shabnam Sukhdev, Writer, Director, Producer (The Last Adieu, Alka: Child to Wife, Journey Back Home, Stranger in my Own Skin, Ishaa Journals) and Mr. Jethu Mundal, film editor of films like Sarfarosh and Henna, as judges. Mr. Madhav Roy Kapur, producer of Nil Battey Sanaata and Gurgaon, and line producer of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Bhoothnath Returns and Rocky Handsome; Mr. Mayank Shekhar, Film Critic (Hindustan Times, Mumbai Mirror), Author, Journalist and Blogger and Akhilesh Jaiswal, Writer of Gangs of Wasseypur and Writer-Director of Mastram, judged the competition on second day.
The jury members interacted with students, encouraged and inspired them by imparting knowledge on various aspects of film making. They also shared many interesting stories about their journey, and answered student’s queries patiently.
Screenings were followed by entertainment and live performances by many participants. The most outstanding act was performed by Taal Inc., a professional drum circle (percussion act) wherein the troupe provided various instruments to the audience who had to play the instruments as per instructions of Taal Inc. members. Even jury members and FLAME faculty attended this act.
Talent from across India found audience in good numbers here. Artists found appreciation, jury found their winners, audience found entertainment, and FLAME University’s FirstCut 2016 found phenomenal success!