First ever students' film festival in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 15 (UNI) As many as 16 short films and documentaries were screened at the first ever students' film festival here.

Out of these, seven were from Kashmiri student film-makers, including 'Kashmir in Black and White' by Greater Kashmir cartoonist Malik Sajad.

The day-long festival was organised by an NGO, Anhad, which had recently asked students to make films on issues related to Justice, equality, democracy and communal harmony.

Out of the total 150 films and documentaries, the jury, comprising Rakesh Sharma, Gowhar Raza, Prased Chako and Avinash Kumar, had selected the best best.

The other Kashmiri films selected for the screening included 'Baramullah - Religion and Peace' by Abdullah Sherwani, 'Cruising Despair' by Mohsin Majeed and 'Naricissus on Fire' by Zehru Nissa.

On the occasion, Anhad founder-member Shabnam Hashmi said the festival provided a platform to the young film-makers wherein they could showcase their talent and express their ideas.

''We invite all students and aspiring film-makers to our future festivals where they can give vent to their feelings and put across their ideas without any restrictions,'' she added.

Anhad (Act Now for Harmony And Democracy), meaning without limits, was formed in March 2003 by Shabnam Hashmi and a few others as 'an inclusive institution' in which every one who stands for democracy, secularism, justice and peace could participate. The organisation works on issues related to communalism in India.

Shabnam Hashmi, sister of theatre-activist Safdar Hashmi, who was killed while staging a play against corruption at a village in Uttar Pradesh in 1989, has conducted several workshops and seminars across the country on issues related to communalism.

UNI