Like several other things Symbiosis has been a pioneer in initiating the first ever film festival hosted by a University in India, and I feel so proud about it. There are many higher educational institutes that host film competitions but not Film Festivals! The pride does not emanate just from the fact that Symbiosis has initiated this event, but also from several other factors, the prime being the involvement of the faculty of media and communication who took up the idea and worked relentlessly to bring it to fruition.
A few months ago, I had discussed this idea with the doyens of Indian cinema Shri Amitabh Bachchan ji who is the Professor Emeritus of Symbiosis International University and Mrs Jaya Bachchan ji and they welcomed the idea wholeheartedly. In fact, Mrs Jaya Bachchan ji was kind enough to even share her ideas with us on how we should go about the film festival, and told us to focus on certain aspects of film making like original stories and screen play. So, for this first Symbiosis Film festival we decided to focus on the theme of ‘Screen play writing.’
The Symbiosis Film Festival was held on the 27th and 28th of January 2024 and inaugurated by Mr Amitabh Bachchan and Mrs Bachchan who graced the occasion amidst a huge fan following of students, faculty and staff of Symbiosis.
Participating in or attending a film festival can offer a range of benefits for students, encompassing educational, cultural, and personal development aspects. It is in fact cinematic education for the students as they gain exposure to diverse films from various genres, countries, and cultures. This exposure broadens students’ knowledge and appreciation. Students can explore films that push artistic boundaries, experiment with storytelling techniques, and address important social issues. This exposure can inspire creativity and critical thinking. Students can gain a deeper appreciation for cultural nuances and storytelling traditions from around the world. Similarly, faculty can use films as a pedagogical tool for making teaching in classrooms interesting!
After the inauguration the students enjoyed asking questions to Mr Bachchan and the answers that he gave were learning lessons for young students. The life of Mr Bachchan itself offers so much learning to students! Hard work, perseverance, commitment and dedication, managing critical situation be it his health issues or his financial crisis and most importantly family values that the Bachchan couple exhibit is a great learning for young people.
It only means that no matter how much you rise to the top in stardom, your feet should be firm on the ground. This is what Mr and Mrs Bachchan exhibited during the 3 hours that they were at Symbiosis. Sometimes I wonder what is this relationship of Mr Bachchan with Symbiosis? Every year, at least once, he makes it a point to address our students as Professor Emeritus would do…with his busy schedule, I salute his commitment to Symbiosis and wish that he continues to bless our students…year after year!
Same is true with Jayaji who knows the art and technique of Film making that she has already given us food for thought for the theme of the next year’s Film Festival!
Such should be the involvement and commitment of stalwarts!