The Department of Visual Communication at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus organized a two-day National Level Short Film Festival, Cinerama 2023, which concluded on March 11, 2023. The festival received over 50 entries from budding filmmakers representing more than 40 institutions and universities across the country. The top seven short films were shortlisted and screened at the festival. The festival awarded prizes to the winners, including certificates, mementos, and cash awards.

During the inauguration ceremony on March 10, 2023, Dr. Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, a National Award-Winning Film Director and Actor, emphasized the power of movies and visual media to transform communities and the potential for mobile phones to create visual content. Renowned Kannada Actor and Theatre Director, Mandya Ramesh, highlighted the importance of maturity, sensitivity, unlimited patience, and deep literary study for individuals involved in film production. He also stressed the crucial aspects of research, knowledge, and a socially conscious mind-set to make a film.

The festival also organized a technical session on “Film Marketing and Promotions” by Dr. Sangeetha Janachandran, Branding and promotion expert and Founder of Stories Social, to help participants understand the various nuances of film marketing. Additionally, a technical session on “Why Film Criticism Matters in the Age of Streaming” was conducted by Mr. Suchin Mehrotra, Film Journalist, and Critic from Film Companion, Mumbai, to provide insights on the importance of film criticism in the present age of streaming.

The valedictory function of the festival was held on March 11, 2023, and Mr. Daali Dhananjaya, a renowned Actor, Lyricist, and Producer, was the chief guest who presented awards to the winners of various categories. In his valedictory address, he expressed his views on the importance of opportunities and hard work in the film industry. He advised aspiring individuals to grab every opportunity presented to them to showcase their talents and emphasized the significance of diligence over one’s disposition. He also highlighted the benefits of technological advancements in the film industry, stating that mobile phones have widened the scope for producing major films.

The festival was attended by several dignitaries, including Brahmachari Anantaananda Chaitanya, Director, Mysuru Campus; Dr. G. Ravindranath, Principal, Amrita Mysuru; Dr. Rekha Bhat, Academic Coordinator; Dr. Moulya Baladi, Chairperson, Department of Visual Communication, and others. The guests of honor, Mrs. Vaishali Hanumath and Mr. Hanumanth, Proprietors of DRC Multiplex Cinemas, and the jury member, Mr. Pavan K. J, Actor & Lens Based Photographer, were felicitated on the occasion. Overall, the festival provided an excellent platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their talents while also providing valuable insights from industry experts on the importance of hard work, technological advancements, and film criticism.

Award Winners:

• Best Short Film – FIRST place: Mr. Sanjai Chandrasekaran – CANVAS (Tamil) – Rs. 10,000 cash prize, Trophy and Certificate
• Best Short Film – SECOND place: Mr. Pranav Krishnan – ACROSS (Malayalam) – Rs. 7,000 cash prize, Trophy and Certificate
• Best Short Film – THIRD place: Mr. Sampath Kumar Rai – ILIBODU – (Kannada) – Rs. 5,000 cash prize, Trophy and Certificate
• Best Titles (Special Category Awards): Rs. 4000, Trophy and Certificate for each category:
• Best Editor – Mr. Sriram Ramaswamy – Canvas (Tamil)
• Best Director – Mr. Sanjai Chandrasekaran – Canvas (Tamil)
• Best Cinematographer – Mr. Karthik Sippy – Canvas (Tamil)
• Best Actor – Mr. Adarsh Krishnadas – Across (Malayalam)
• Best Actress – Ms. Sneha Reji – Cheryl (Malayalam)

Mobile Category Awards: 

• Best Mobile Short Film – FIRST place – Mr. Rithik Nair – TWO COCUNUTS – Rs. 5,000 cash prize, Trophy and Certificate
• Best Mobile Short Film – SECOND place – Mr. Adithya Yaligar – HEAL WITHIN – Rs. 3,000 cash prize, Trophy and Certificate

Separate category of Amrita Awards was given to the students of the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Mysuru Campus to encourage and keep the spirit of film making.