Mandi international film fest puts social issues in focus

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Nine-day SHAAKH event to conclude on October 6, featuring themes around relationships and contemporary realities

Mandi: The nine-day international cinema festival and cultural programme organised by the Society for Himachal Art Culture Knowledge and Heritage (SHAAKH), which began on September 28, is underway at a temporary auditorium at Paddal Ground here and will conclude on Tuesday, i.e., October 6.

The festival had opened with the screening of “End of a Beginning”, a film on female foeticide. Additional Deputy Commissioner Priyanshu Khati had inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the gathering at the opening, Khati said the festival provided a platform for films on social issues and could help raise awareness about social evils. He congratulated SHAAKH for organising the event and showcasing films carrying socially relevant messages.

The opening film, directed by Ram Pal Mallik, focused on female foeticide and highlighted the killing of unborn girl children. Shalavi Sharma played the female lead, while co-director Pushp Raj Pushpi was also present.

Khati praised the film for its strong message and said he would try to facilitate its screening in schools on the Daughters’ Day to raise awareness among students about female foeticide.

The festival has also featured films dealing with social issues, relationships and contemporary realities, providing a platform for filmmakers to present socially relevant themes.

Jury members Ashok Mehra of New Delhi, Ritesh Mehta of Nahan and Suraj Rattan of Dharamshala attended the programme.

Former Vallabh Government College principal Ashok Awasthi, Professor Dharam Pal Kapoor, educationist Narpat Rana, councillor Sarita Handa and Professor Chaman Premi were among the special guests. A large number of young people also attended the opening programme.

Kuldeep Guleria, associated with promoting folk arts, hosted the event.