Star-studded Film Festivals Are the New Norm!

A rise in the popularity of film festivals and screenings around Mumbai has led to an exposure to the craft of film-making.

With a growing interest in the art of filmmaking, college students in Mumbai have taken it upon themselves to showcase their talents through film festivals held at various colleges across the city.

Film festivals have become a popular platform for students to express their creativity and voice their opinions on various social issues. At these festivals, students not only get the opportunity to showcase their own films but also attend screenings of movies made by professional filmmakers, engage in panel discussions with industry experts, and participate in workshops on different aspects of filmmaking.

The festivals have not only provided a platform for students to showcase their work but also for networking and finding opportunities to enter the industry. Many of the festivals have caught the attention of established filmmakers, who have made it a point to attend and interact with the young, upcoming talent. The recent Kala Ghoda Arts Festival held in Kala Ghoda, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Festival in the National Museum of Indian Cinema are also examples of the recent film festivals held in the city.

Students can learn about different aspects of filmmaking, from the technicalities of camera work and editing to storytelling and directing. They can also learn about the challenges and realities of working in the industry, including funding and distribution. Moreover, organising a film festival requires a significant amount of planning, coordination, and teamwork which offers students a valuable experience in event management and organisational skills. From fundraising to scheduling, promotion, and logistics, students learn to work together to ensure the festival runs smoothly and successfully.

By participating in film festivals, students are able to gain exposure for their work and build their reputation as filmmakers. They also develop a sense of community and a supportive network of fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. Overall, the rise of film festivals organised by Mumbai college students is providing a unique opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to learn, grow and showcase their talents, helping to develop the next generation of filmmakers in India.

Recently, Sophia College for Women organised the Documentary Film Festival for two days which was attended by students of the Bachelors of Arts in Strategic Communication and Journalism (BASCJ) program. The festival was organised by the Film Society of the college. Khushi Bisen, a third-year student from Sophia College, said, “We like to pride ourselves on being one of the only colleges in Mumbai to hold a prestigious and reputed documentary film festival. There is a long legacy attached to the festival, and we wish to keep it going.”

Coming to other film festivals, Jai Hind College will organise their annual BMM (Bachelors of Mass Media) Media Festival ‘Detour’ on the 16th and 17th February, where even though films are not the main attraction, they will be a big part of the festival. Apart from independent short or documentary film festivals, a lot of outsider festivals also collaborate with colleges to screen movies and hold panel discussions. A recent example of the likes is the KASHISH LGBTQ+ Film Festival that collaborates with several colleges to call for more participation from people.

Amrit Janga, a second-year student at St. Xavier’s College added, “It is fun to attend these events since no matter what field a student is pursuing, each one is able to take a lot away from these screenings. Sadly, there isn’t enough support for independent college film festivals, which must be changed.”

In conclusion, the increasing popularity of film festivals among Mumbai college students is a clear indication of the rising interest in filmmaking and the media industry. With more opportunities and platforms to showcase their work, aspiring filmmakers are gaining valuable experience, exposure and networking opportunities and hence setting the stage for a bright future in the industry.