A different s(h)ort of expression

VADODARA: Short films are finally calling a shot in the city. One is now seeing spurt of action be it screening of short films to making them short film enthusiasts are starting informal groups to promote them in a big way. These enthusiasts are trying to add one more flavour to the taste buds of movie-goers especially youngsters in the city.
To get people hooked to them, regular short film fests, competition to screenings are hosted by either individuals or motley group of youngsters.
Ad agency owner Neeraj Joshi, who launched Hot Shots' a competition-cum-festival for short filmmakers two years ago is all set to host third season this year. Joshi started this event to give aspiring filmmakers a platform to showcase their creative skill. Adding momentum to this is another youngster Vashishth Upadhyay, who is starting a group, Cine Maniacs', that will host filmmaking workshops, film fests and discussion on filmmaking. Even students in M S University have started screening films in their faculties during their seminars and conferences to strike a chord with the participants.
"In the first year, I received 30 entries and then the number increased to 51 in second year. This shows that the idea of making short films and documentaries is catching up. Till now, they felt that this medium is restricted to high-profile directors. But, that myth has been broken as general public is now exposed to short films and documentaries in city-level fest," shared Joshi.
"Making short film is an inexpensive affair and all one needs is a handycam. This idea has caught up with many youngsters be it college-going youths to professionals. They are exploring this medium to give way to their hidden talent," added Joshi. Johnny Sharma, who was winner of Hot Shots in season two, got shortlisted in Cannes Film Festival last year.
Upadhyay, an alumnus of Whistling Woods Institute in Mumbai, has worked with several production houses and is all set to make a new beginning in the city. "I belong to this city and wanted to share my experience with other aspiring filmmakers here. The group Cine Maniacs' is hosting filmmaking workshop as an inaugural event and then we have year long activities planned to keep the buzz alive," said Upadhyay.
Even at school-level students have started making short films and participating in competition. Students from city-based school clinched first prize and grabbed six spots amongst the 12 best short films selected in the Children's Produced Film Category at the Mumbai International Children's Film Festival last year. Schools too have started making short films to generate environmental awareness.