'Manpasand' fails to find place in MIFF

Mumbai, Feb 8 (UNI) Despite winning the ''World Medal Award in Children's Program'' at the New York International Film Festival'08 and gaining an official entry in ten International Film Festivals, animation film ''Manpasand'' has not been able to find a place in the 10th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentaries, Short and Animation Films, underway here.

The film has been produced by the Children's Film Society and is directed by Dhvani Desai.

Dhvani is shocked. ''It was unexpected. At least, they could have shown it to the public. I can't believe that my film is not being screened.'' Last year also, ''Manpasand'' was nominated at the International Animation Film Festival in Hollywood.

Besides, being selected in Czech Republic, Canada, China, Greece, Slovak Republic, Turkey and Hyderabad's Golden Elephant, the director said she had also been invited to present her film in Germany last year where it ''won hearts of the people''.

Chairperson of the selection committee for the Indian section Derek Bose, on being asked about the omission of ''Manpasand'', told UNI, ''It was a collective decision. Merit was the sole criterion.'' The style adopted in ''Manpasand'' does not match with modern times. Old methods of animation have been used in the film, Bose said adding that every festival has some specific criteria for selection which have to be adhered to.

Another member of the selection committee, son of veteran filmmaker Bimal Roy, filmmaker Joy Roy said, ''It is difficult to choose a particular film from a huge number of entries. Out of over 500 entries, 30 hours of screening time was given.'' Many other award winning films have also failed to gain an entry into the festival, he added.

Mr Ram Mohan, doyen of Indian animation, said that ''Manpasand'' has a unique look, design and style.

''It has not been made in a commercial animation style. It represents the folk style of Uttar Pradesh. It should have been accepted as an entry,'' he added.

Meanwhile, director of 'Hanuman' and 'Hanuman Returns' V G Samant is also of the opinion that the film should have gained entry into the festival as it was approved by Children's Film society.

''Animation filmmakers should be encouraged and given proper recognition. Such decisions would kill intellectual thoughts,'' the veteran director in the field of animation added.

UNI DB MAZ/SR SY VC1705