The film “Another Planet”, directed by Ms. Smita Bhide won the “Golden Lamp Tree Award” (and a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakhs) under the International Competition Section at the closing ceremony of the Short Film Center at the 42nd International Film Festival in Goa. “Another Planet” is the stunning depiction of a contemporary but timeless India that heads as a sweet child and captures the battle between making a choice that saves one life & destroys another.
Mr. Govind Tiwari( Vice President, UB Group) graced the 4th edition of the Short Film Center Award ceremony along with Shri Sanjay Srivastava, Chief Secretray- Government of Goa, Shri Rajeev Verma, Secretary Information & Publicity, Govt of Goa, Shri Manoj Srivastava, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa and Shri Shankar Mohan, Director-IFFI.
At the ceremony, the “Silver Lamp Tree Award” (and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs) was awarded for the film “Crazy Beats Strong Every Time” directed by Mr. Moon Molson for capturing the inner conflict of growing up.
The “Special Jury Award” (and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs) was awarded for the film “Khule Darwaaze” (Open Doors), directed by Shri Ashish Pandey. It is an evocative & moving portrayal of ‘Tara’, who is losing touch with the present and lives through the hopes of her past. This film captures a beauty in loneliness and ageing.
The Special Jury Award, Goan Film in International Competition (cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-) was awarded to the film “Anthony Gonsalves – The Music Legend” Directed by Mr. Ashok Rane. The film traces the journey of Anthony Gonsalves in the world of Indian Film Music and brilliantly brings out various facets, moments and innovations during the era. Mr. Ashok Rane dedicated the award to Anthony Gonsalves and to all the unsung Goans in the field of cinema.
The “Vasudha Award” for the Best Film on Environmental Issues (cash prize of Rs. 2.75 lakhs) was conferred on the film “A Pestering Journey” directed by Shri. K. R. Manoj. The film focuses on the impact of pesticides and insecticides on human lives. With evocative cinematic techniques, the film has been able to create a moving narrative of the ill effects of modern agricultural practices. Locating the film in the fields of Punjab and the homes of Kerala, the film effectively highlights us the cost paid by young lives in the name of development.
The Short Film Center offered a unique business platform to short film makers, buyers, festival organizers and funding agencies. Run by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the concept was conceived by CEO of ESG, Mr. Manoj Srivastava. This was first launched during IFFI 2008. Its aim is to develop and promote fresh talent worldwide in the booming short film industry and provide a platform to spread social awareness the world over. Participants have access to the world’s largest database of short and documentary film makers. Funding agencies are also given a platform to reach out to producers and directors so as to effectively present their commissioning requirements directly through a presentation at a very low cost.
