The ninth National Science Film Festival organized by Vigyan Prasar concluded on 31st January at Chandigarh University with presentation of 22 awards to the winners in 4 different categories of popular science and health film making.
The festival got record number of 258 competitive entries from Indian filmmakers and finally 77 nominated films were screened during Festival. They were based on popular science, health and environmental issues such as visually impaired people, solar energy, plastic usage, importance of laughter etc. 19 foreign science films from UK, Sweden, Denmark and Netherlands were screened.
Noted film actor and Chairman of the Jury for 9th National Science Film Festival of India, Vikram Gokhle along with Punjabi Film Actor and Head of Extension Education, PAU, Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla gave awards to the winners on the final day of the film festival.
“The Golden Thread” directed by Anoop Khajuria won Golden Beaver Award in the Government Sponsored Film Category. The film produced by Doordrshan is based upon the damage caused to Muga Worms due to climate change which is affecting the livelihood of the weavers of Assam.
" Mass communication should be a subject that should be incorporated in every field of education from the primary level itself as it empowers the person to put forward their achievements " : Vikram Gokhle
Independent Film maker Vipul Keerti’s documentary ‘Wanted Bride’ which focused on neglected group of flower crab spider and showcased scientific stories which was applauded by the jury members with Golden Beaver Award while the category of film made by college credited Raj Kishor for his film ‘Festivity of Greenwood’ with a message of saving mother nature and abandoning deforestation won the Golden Beaver Award.
‘Automating Agriculture’ by Rishu Tiwari based on redesigning the farming methods with the help of automatic drones claimed Golden in the category of films made by school students. Apart from this, special jury awards for Research, cinematography, Editing, Graphics and Animation were also presented to the film makers. A cash prize of more than 12 lakh rupees was awarded to the students in 22 different categories.
Vishwas Saraf, Film & Animation student of the Chandigarh University won the spontaneous short film category for his film ‘Queen’ based on special belt helping in enhancing women safety.
“Mass communication should be a subject that should be incorporated in every field of education from the primary level itself as it empowers the person to put forward their achievements” said Vikram Gokhle.
“This year we have witnessed maximum number of participation with 258 competitive entries and we are sure that the 10th edition of the festival which is going to be held in Goa will attract much more participation and audience” said Dr. Nakul Parashar, Director, Vigyan Prasar.
India Science Wire
