Kota, Feb 2 (PTI) – The eighth edition of the Chambal International Film Festival concluded on Saturday, spotlighting Kota’s potential as a filmmaking hub while celebrating global cinema. The three-day event, hosted at the UIT auditorium, showcased a staggering 1,104 short films, documentaries, and animations from 93 countries.
Festival Director Dr. Kapil Sidharth emphasized the festival’s commitment to promoting film production, documentary-making, and animation in Rajasthan, particularly in Kota. He noted that the event attracted 75 filmmakers from across India and one from Rome, Italy, further strengthening international ties.
Kota Attracting Global Filmmakers
A significant milestone for the festival was the screening of the Italian film "Safed" (White), which was 75% shot in Kota last year, making it the first foreign film to achieve such a feat. Italian filmmaker Stefania Simoni, who worked on the project, expressed admiration for Rajasthan’s breathtaking landscapes, architecture, palaces, and forts, calling them ideal locations for international film projects."We are making efforts to attract more foreign filmmakers to Rajasthan," Dr. Sidharth stated, underscoring Kota's potential as a global filmmaking destination.
Short Films and Animation in the Spotlight
The festival also served as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers. Vaishali Panwar, a short film director from Maharashtra, screened her film "Desire", advocating for short films as a powerful yet cost-effective storytelling medium.Animation filmmaker Semon Das from Kolkata highlighted the booming demand for animation and multimedia careers in India, stressing the significance of graphics, video editing, and audio production in today’s digital landscape.
Adding a historical dimension, documentary filmmaker Anil Goswami from Uttar Pradesh presented "Vietnam War", a gripping documentary exploring the environmental devastation caused by war.
A Growing Platform for Aspiring Filmmakers
With a blend of cinematic excellence and industry discussions, the festival provided an invaluable platform for filmmakers, animators, and content creators. Organizers noted that such events are crucial in nurturing emerging talent and raising awareness about the impact of short films and animation.As Kota continues to attract national and international filmmakers, the Chambal International Film Festival is cementing its place as a key event in India's cinematic calendar, fostering a new era of storytelling in Rajasthan.