IFFRS 2025: ‘Kashmir Files’ fame Vivek Agnihotri talks on storytelling & creativity

Gorakhpur: Students got a chance of an engaging interaction with filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, known for The Kashmir Files, on the second day of the three-day International Film Festival on Religion and Spirituality (IFFRS 2025) on Friday. The IFFRS was inaugurated on Thursday.Attended by nearly 300 students, the session was an interactive dive into storytelling, creativity, and Indian philosophy. Agnihotri emphasised that Hindu philosophy and Hindu religion are distinct and stressed the importance of nurturing creativity.Following the masterclass, around 15 films were screened across two sessions, including the feature documentary Mumukshu: Mrityu Ki Abhilasha directed by Shailendra Pandey, which explores the spiritual quest of those seeking liberation in Varanasi. Travelogue Khatu Shyam Mandir Ki Yatra by Bobby Vats and the short film Oum, showcasing the spiritual significance of the sacred sound ‘Om', were also highlights.The Uttar Pradesh Tourism department, a key sponsor, presented its documentary Naimisharanya, offering a glimpse into one of India's holiest sites. Other screenings included ‘Jain', ‘Jau & Bathain Ki Holi', and ‘Mahakumbh'.Festival head Ketki Kapadia announced that the closing ceremony on Saturday will feature director Madhur Bhandarkar as the chief guest, alongside a star-studded jury. The final day will also include a masterclass on acting by casting director Parag Mehta.Festival director Srivas Naidu shared that 38 films were shortlisted from 125 global entries, with screenings lined up from Bengal, Iran, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.