First Frame is an International students’ film festival which started a decade back in the capital by Madhu Bala Institute of Communication & Electronic Media (MBICEM) along with Indraprastha College for Women, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication and Xavier’s Institute of Mass Communication were the four participating Institutes back then. However, over the years not only did it become the first ever students’ film festival to go International but also became the biggest celebration of students films in the country. It is a festival for the students and by the students and a platform for young budding filmmakers to share their stories with fellow cinema enthusiasts all over the country and abroad. The festival acts as a gangplank between the films of these budding filmmakers and their audience that remains scattered and oblivious to the talent around them.

The Festival Director, Prof. M.B. Julka said- “Till now we’ve screened more than 500 films from all over the country and abroad in all our editions; which means we’ve given a platform to more than 1000 student filmmakers and film technicians to showcase their talent. It is this thought that keeps us going and motivates us to continue our endeavours towards strengthening student filmmaking”.

This year the festival aims to outdo its previous editions and hopes not only to make its presence felt domestically amongst the upcoming crop of filmmakers but also globally. The International film festival has received participation from student filmmakers from some of the best media Institutes of the country along with students of 8 different countries worldwide. Also, keeping in mind its objective, the festival has collaborated with the Korean Cultural Centre, New Delhi and is currently in talks to host the premiere of a critically acclaimed Korean film of 2013. Also, the festival is set to introduce the revolutionary new concepts of TalkShop and Live Circles. Other highlights include the collaboration with Colombo International Students’ Film Festival and the plan to run a 5 day non-stop film marathon from the 4th to the 8th of April in New Delhi and Colombo simultaneously.

The Jury of the festival has renowned names like Mr Mike Berry, Emmy and BAFTA Awards Jury member and Founder of Golden Tulip Films, along with Mr Ranjit Kapoor, Filmmaker, theatre activist and Mr Vijay Bedi, Documentary Filmmaker and the youngest Green Oscar winner alongwith Mr Shailendra Pandey, National Photo Editor, Group Patrika. The festival this year will be screening the films under the Best Short Fiction Film (National and International), Best Documentary Film (National and International) and has also introduced two national categories, Best National Ad Film and Best Student Film (School).  This year the festival is also holding 3rd F8 National Photography competition. F8, an ancillary event of the festival has widened its horizon and included a competition for school students as well. Prizes worth more than INR 1.55 lakhs along with trophies, citation and vouchers are going to be distributed to the winners of the festival and the winners of the other ancillary events of the festival.  Another attraction is On-the-Spot Mobile Filmmaking category which is also an award winning category.

On 21st and 22nd March 2014, a preliminary round was held for which a panel consisting of Mr Hemant Gaba, Filmmaker, Pennywise Films, Mr Pankaj Johar, Filmmaker/Producer, Pennywise Films, Mr Asheesh Pandya, Sound Designer and Ms Rajni Basumatary, Filmmaker/Producer, Manna Films was constituted. After thoughtful deliberation and hours of serious contemplation 47 films were selected out of 131 films from India and abroad. One of the jury members, Mr Hemant Gaba appreciated the quality of films received and said- “The quality of the films are far better this year as compared to the last year.” The panel unanimously acknowledged the golden opportunity, First Frame has been providing to enthusiastic student filmmakers. Mr. Pankaj Johar said- “It is a wonderful platform for young budding filmmakers to showcase their talent. Some of these films were absolute eye-openers.” The organising and managing skill of the team was also praised. Ms. Rajni Basumatary said- “What a great selection of films. Kudos to the organisers. Amazing Ambience. Infectious Energy.” The jury foresees a tough competition at the finals as they too had a challenging preliminary session. Mr. Asheesh Pandya said- “I think it is going to be a close call. We had a difficult time judging these films, as some of these films were absolutely flawless.”

The festival has joined hands with Korean Cultural Centre as the Country Partner, is co- sponsored by ONGC; the Entertainment Partner is Kingdom of Dreams; the Media Partners are Tehelka, Danik Jagran, City Plus and U’th time Magazine and the Associate Partners are Grieves Cotton & Punjab National Bank. First Frame 2014 is going to be the first ever film festival to crowdfund on wishberry, the premiere crowdfunding website. Another addition to its collaborations include, Colombo International students’ Film Festival becoming First Frame’s official festival partner. This will allow the organisers to run a non-stop 5 day film marathon in New Delhi and Colombo simultaneously. The official social cause partner for the festival is Lauta Bachpan which aims to rekindle the lost childhood of underprivileged children and empower the women from all parts of the society.

On 7th and 8th April 2014, the shortlisted films shall be screened to 1000 plus live audience comprising of students, parents professionals, paraprofessionals, filmmakers, writers, critics and other members from the media fraternity. The festival also boasts of a virtual audience of more than 10000 to whom which the festival is going to live-stream the line-up of films. “With every edition of the festival, we have tried to incorporate newer elements to our film festival and the attempt to Live Simulcast is one such initiative.” said Prof. M.B. Julka, Festival Director, First Frame 2014.

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