Media Release
Bengaluru, Mar 1: C P Yogeshwar, Karnataka minister of tourism, ecology & environment department said that the government would support the efforts of the film-makers who champion the cause of preserving life in the nature. The minister who was the chief guest at the award-giving ceremony of the Nigli’s Short Film Competition held at St Joseph’s Institute of Management here on February 28.
The minister lauded Ivan Nigli for his initiative and efforts to organise such a great event covering the entire state. Ivan who played a key role in the event and the brain behind such a unique programme has done a good job for the society as a whole and students in particular, stated the minister. Minister Yogeshwar who was also involved in the film industry in the past encouraged the attempts of the colleges across the state to help the humanity.
The minister said he was happy to see the new technology applied for a worthy cause to make progress and to give a useful shape to the needed society. He also commended on the theme which brought in the nature and environment. The theme and topic could be chosen according to the felt need including the abuse of nature such as polluting water, the most essential element to sustain life. The films should address human problems that the people face today.
The tourism minister who was full of praise for the creative aspect of the films urged all concerned to include and reveal the historical facts in the modern art with stress on and concern for life. He called upon the students to take active part in defending and eliminating the virus that ravages the human society. The imagination involved in the film making could go a long way to promote life in nature and thereby tourism.
Earlier, Ivan Nigli, welcoming the minister and all other guests said the objective of the event was to promote creativity among students by encouraging them to explore the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.The organizers contacted almost 600 colleges with 66 entries and about 300 students participated as team members and the final entries selected came to 20, he added.
The award ceremony for the participants of the Nigli’s Short Film Competition, shot exclusively with mobile cameras and organised and hosted by Nigli, a former MLA and chairman in association with Karnataka tourism and Garden City University had the theme ‘Karnataka Tourism: One State, Many Worlds’. The programme commenced by lighting the lamp by the chief guest and other guests of honour.
The winners were announced as the audience remained with bated breath. Naija Margadharshana, SJES College of Management Studies, by Jashwanth H bagged the first prize, the second prize went to Pragathi, St John’s Junior College, by D Divinee Grace & Indrani and the third prize had gone to Unsung Karnataka, T John College, by Nandagopal S & Prathyush V. A Special Jury Award was given to Bikes to My Heart, St Joseph’s College, Kevin Williams. The cash awards of 25,000/-, 10,000/- & 5,000/- were given to the three adjudged best.
The jury included Dr Girish Kasarvalli, Jai Jagdeesh and Saraswati Jagirdar and the sponsors were Karnataka tourism department, Garden City College and gift hampers sponsored by Mysore Sandal Soaps.
The minister was honoured on the occasion. Several others were also honoured with mementos and all participants with certificates.
One of the special invitees was Jai Jagdeesh, director cum producer. Some others were Christo V Joseph, director, Garden City University, Rajeev T S, ARTWAVE and a scientist from Chennai. Other invitees included personalities from the Kannada film Industry and representatives of NGOs such as YMCA, Lions’ Club and Rotarians. Among others spoke included Dr Rajah Balakrishnan, competition director and Jai Jagdeesh who said a film whether short or long should have some essential elements with a message to be conveyed.
Two dances by girls from faraway places enthralled the audience. Most of the participants watched the 20 short films screened during the function and well appreciated with applause.