Remembering Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words, “Hate the sin, not the sinner,” the International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) is once again embracing this philosophy in its 10th edition. Following the noble tradition of its previous editions, IFFS will once again hold special screenings of the film festival at Model Central Jail Kanda distt Shimla and Model Central Jail Nahan, Distt Sirmaur, which is scheduled to take place from 16th to 18th August, 2024 at the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla.
This marks the sixth time that IFFS is extending its reach to three different venues. The decision to include the two prisons as screening locations aims to bridge the divide between the inside and outside worlds through the prowess of cinema, while also nurturing the creativity of the inmates. Through this initiative, IFFS hopes to inspire and motivate those who are trying to reclaim their place in society.
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur said that IFFS film screening in Prison is one of the important annual activity for inmates now. “This initiative provides an enriching experience to inmates to reintegrate with the society and rejuvenate the spirit of life in them. I hope this will surely prove a great step in prison reform,” said Thakur.
He further added that struggling with the fear of becoming institutionalized, the unique challenges they face behind bars are different from those outside, with many of them seeking redemption for past actions. Cinema has the ability to transcend the boundaries for these inmates through impactful storytelling depicting contemporary society and promoting creativity, thus offering a valuable medium for personal growth and learning.
The 10th Edition of International Film Festival of Shimla will be held from 16th to 18th August, 2024 in the historic Gaiety Theater Shimla. The festival is being organized under the aegis of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India, Department of Language & Culture (LAC) Government of Himachal Pradesh by Himalayan Velocity.
This year 27 countries and 20 states are participating in this prestigious cinematic event promises to celebrate the art of storytelling through the lens of diverse cultures and perspectives. In International category filmmakers from United states of America, Belgium, Iran, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Turkey, Nepal, Egypt, Bangladesh, Italy, Poland, Argentina, Sweden, Afghanistan, Australia, France and Dubai are participating.
While twenty states are participating from India viz., Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Manipur, Assam, Delhi, Punjab, West Bengal, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.
This festival will be featuring competitions in International, National and State Category. There will also be specially curated sessions focusing on issues, themes, countries and the works of filmmakers. The program will also include screening of films, Seminar/ Workshop Sessions with experts from Film Institutes, film critic and film Industries 60 Independent directors whose films will be screened in the festival will also grace the three day long festival.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
