Mangalore, Jan 21: The year 2013 marks glorious 100 years of Indian Cinema, beginning from the time Dadasaheb Phalke made the first feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913.
To commemorate the milestone, the Department of Mass Communication (MCMS) at St Aloysius College, Mangalore, chose the theme 'Celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema' as their theme for Media Manthan '13, the two-day national-level media fest, which was inaugurated on Monday at Eric Mathias Hall in the college.
With movie posters and snap-shots of film actors dotting the venue, Media Manthan '13, truly celebrated the existence of Indian cinema, with various competitions named after Bollywood movies and screening of movies scheduled over the two days.
Speaking after inaugurating the two-day media event, District Information Officer Rohini K said that visual media was so powerful that it could create an unimaginable impact on the masses. “Cinema is a reflection of our society; it is entertainment, education and information incorporated in one. It also helps in moulding public opinion. Indian cinema, despite all its peculiarities, has been a reflection of socio-economic, political, and cultural changes in our country,” she said, lauding the students' efforts and encouraging them to make the best use of opportunities.
Film director Sandeep Malani and Tulu movie producer Vijayakumar Kodialbail of 'Oriyardori Asal' fame were honoured during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kodialbail lamented that although Tulu was a popular regional language, Tulu cinema lagged behind, with just 44 films in Tulu language made over 42 years. This is because Tulu-ites themselves do not opt to watch Tulu films. However, the notion that Tulu cinema would not be appreciated was proved wrong with the movie 'Oriyardori Asal' which achieved a breakthrough and grabbed huge earnings in the box-office, he said, calling for greater support for movies made in Kannada, Tulu, Kodava and Konkani languages.
Delivering the presidential address, college principal Fr Swebert D'Silva said that films ought to depict the real life of people and be patronised by the audience. But more often than not, reality is discarded to make way for illusions, he said, and wished media to be more indifferent to enticement and to help in proclaiming the truth. Media should depict values in a real way and make the world a better place, he said.
The inter-collegiate fest saw several participants from around 15 colleges signing up for competitions such as 8x10 Tasveer (Photography), Bol Bachchan (RJ Hunt), Taare Zameen Par (Quiz), Pehchaan Kaun (Mock Press), Kahani (Trailer-making), Golmaal (Movie Spoof), Viraam (Ad-making), Makhdi Ki Jaal (Web Designing), Peepli Live (Video Bulletin) and Chitragupt (Film Review) spread over the two days.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a panel discussion on 'Cultural diversity in Indian cinema' by Manu Chakravarthy, Phaniraj and Samartha Sahil.
As part of the event, there will be free screening of the Kannada movie 'Kanasemba Kudureyaneri' directed by Girish Kasaravalli at Bharath BIG Cinemas on Monday at 6.30 p.m.
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