Young Filmmakers Find Way via Short Films

We wanted to set a platform for the young talent and decided to announce a short filmmaking contest.

This and That entertainment_indieactivity

CHENNAI: The current generation is charmed by the magic of films and the use of latest technology has got them hooked on to filmmaking. The first step to recognition and a shot at the film industry is to direct a short film, and there are many platforms available in Chennai for aspirant filmmakers to showcase their talent.

“This and That entertainment” is a new-generation creative agency and it had announced an online short film making contest in September 2015. More than 190 entries were registered out of which the top 12 short films were selected and listed by the special jury team consisting of Badri, Abishek, Viji Chandrasekar and Amaran.

The nominated short films were screened at PVR Cinemas in the city during the weekend, out of which three films topped the list. The highlight of this fest was that directors Mysskin and Ram chose the winners in different categories.

“We wanted to set a platform for the young talent out there and decided to announce a short filmmaking contest. Our aim was to cater to the needs of young talent and encourage freshers to follow their dreams. We advertised through our facebook page and tied up with Behind Woods for the entries,” said V Logeswari, MD, This and That Entertainment.

Ecstatic about the number of entries, Logeswari said that she was surprised at the response. The media house received 193 entries in Tamil and the rest were in Malayalam and Telugu.

The short films were not restricted to a specific category. Participants displayed their talent in filmmaking and acting in various genres. Mayirizhai by J Ramanujam, Ramasamiyin Angal by Kamal Budda and Yeman by Mani Shekar were the winners of the short film fest.

One of the winners, Ramanujam, said that his mother is his support system. “It is extremely difficult to make a film without proper financial support, but my passion drives me to do it. The movie is based on my life experience and everything that I learnt through it.”

Ramanujam also bagged two other awards in different categories — best director and best music director. Winners in other categories included Madhan for best cinematographer, Mani Shekar for best editor, Keshore Dev for best actor (male), and Sudha Prasana for best actor (female) and V K Aravind for best story (special jury award).

Culled from The New Indian Express