GD Goenka University Organises ‘Fotographia 2018’ the 2nd International Students’ Film and Photography Festival

Dwij: Twice Born got awarded in short film category

The 2nd edition of the film and photography festival Fotographia showcased different shades of lives in movies and photographs

The theme of the Festival was “Beautiful Lives: Human Dignity, Human Rights.”

New Delhi : Blooming Buds, the movie exploring the delicate relationship of a mother and daughter after the former’s divorce made by Anahita Singh of State Institute of Film and Television. Rohtak was selected the best long film at ‘Fotographia 2018’, the 2nd International Film and Photography Festival of School of Communication, GD Goenka University. While Dwij: Twice Born was awarded in the short movie category. The award for best documentary film was given to Vrindavan Widows made by students of APeejay Stya University. Wo Log received the critics’ choice award while certificate of appreciation in the category of Public Service Advertising was given to ‘Beautiful Lives’

In the photography category, Sachin from Maharaja Agrasen won the first prize while Harun from PWC Academy, UAE received the 2nd prize. Harsh A. Kujur from Maharaja Agrasen received the third position.

The theme for the competition this year is “Beautiful Lives: Human Dignity, Human Rights.” It is an effort to recognize and celebrate small positive changes around us which are brought about by the sustainable development goals and the propagation of human rights. Fotographia is an attempt to provide a platform to budding photographers and filmmakers to speak their mind, portray their perceptions and showcase their creativity through their lenses.

“We are truly happy with the overwhelming response received from the participants from so many countries. Our endeavor is to nurture and develop Fotographia as a unique platform for students to express their minds and creativity through lenses”, says Prof. (Dr.) Ritu S. Sood, Dean, School of Communication.

Renowned actor, director and producer, Mr Viveck Vaswani, who is associated with various film festivals and is committed towards promoting cinema amongst youth, is the Chief Guest this year.

It is a tailor made opportunity to mix your creativity and use it to translate it to create a legacy of past into future. If you really want to succeed in communication, you must need to know your cinema and you must learn your language of communication,” said Mr Viveck Vaswani while addressing the students in his inaugural speech.

Mr. Sitanshu Kar, Principal Director General, PIB and Mr. Hojatollah Abedi, Deputy Cultural Counsellor of Iran Culture House will also grace the occasion as Guests of Honor. In the words of Mr. Sithanshu Kar, “We are living in the best of times. Everyone has a camera to click and shoot as a medium of storytelling. However the story has to be compelling. Media schools have a major role to play in terms of enabling and shaping the young minds in a positive manner and not just make them bite obsessed. It will be my pleasure to extend any kind of help for this cause.

Post the screenings in addition to Q&A sessions, the filmmakers shared their valuable experiences. The event was organized in collaboration with Iran Culture House and is also supported by GraFTII, the alumni body of FTII and Inshorts while Wetv Arabia had joined in as the media partner.

About Fotographia:

The festival is an initiative and a part of the series of activities organized by the School of Communication (SoC), GD Goenka University to equip students with hands-on experience of the prevailing trends & practices in Media and Mass Communication. This is the inaugural event but the forum aspires to hold it annually. Every year a theme will be provided to participants to center their performance. This year the theme is “Celebrating Life”. Fotographia offers a unique opportunity for cross-cultural education by promoting understanding of the many cultures represented in our country and beyond, recognizing that such diversity enriches our community. We believe that our annual international film festival highlights core values and aspirations we share in common with our culturally diverse neighbors and with all members of the global human family.

About School of Communication (SoC), G D Goenka University:

School of Communication, offers specialised curriculum in the field of Journalism and Mass Communication that features a strong foundation of hallmark learning outcomes for a new generation of media enthusiasts. Core competencies of the School are scientific approaches on all aspects of communication and media science. The bouquet of flexible degree programs offered by the School, range from undergraduate to doctorate level. SoC provides a highly versatile learning environment that presents students with real-world challenges, support from a dedicated faculty and an influential network of partner agencies in the media landscape. NDTV Worldwide is the official knowledge partner with the School of Communication.

About G D Goenka University:

G.D. Goenka University (GDGU), Sohna Road, Gurgaon, is constituted by the Government of Haryana under the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Act, 2013, notified in HARYANA GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA).MAY 3, 2013 (VYSK.13,1935 SAKA) and the Degrees awarded by the university are recognized by the UGC. The mission of G. D. Goenka University is to prepare globally competent graduates through Interdisciplinary project based learning with focus on innovation and research that improve employability and association with top ranked institutions and leading industries that facilitate exchange of scholars and joint research.