Chandigarh, October 24, 2024: To Inspire students, the future generation, for film-making and storytelling, the Chitkara International School, in partnership with Cinevidya, hosted the sixth edition of CineMaestro Film Festival & Awards with schools from across the region participating in the festival, and celebrating the art of student filmmaking.
The event was featured by popular actor Aparshakti Khurana, known for his roles in films like Dangal, Stree, and Luka Chuppi. As the chief guest, Khurana shared personal experiences from his journey in the entertainment industry, captivating the audience with his insights. “Passion, perseverance, and storytelling are the keys to success in filmmaking,” Khurana told the young audience, encouraging them to follow their dreams. His engaging talk left a lasting impact on the aspiring filmmakers present.
Amitabha Singh, founder of Cinevidya and an acclaimed cinematographer, known for Khosla Ka Ghosla and the National Award-winning Chillar Party, played a fundamental role at the event. Singh, committed to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, called for the importance of nurturing young talent, particularly in the realm of children’s cinema.
He also pointed out the festival’s unique opportunity for students to explore both the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.
Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Director Schools, Chitkara International School, expressed pride in the festival’s success. “CineMaestro bridges the gap between school education and the film industry. It equips students with essential skills like visual storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving,” she said, adding that these abilities are vital across all professional fields.
The festival featured a diverse array of student films, spanning multiple genres and themes.
Highpoints included Nari, which focused on women’s empowerment, Street Tails, shedding light on the struggles of street animals, and Beyond the Boards, which examined challenges faced by students. Other films, like Breathless, addressed mental health issues, while Silent Screams explored personal and emotional challenges. The creativity and technical expertise showcased in these films reflected the unique perspectives of their young creators.
CineMaestro culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional achievements across various categories. Trophies and certificates were awarded for Best Director, Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Actor, and Best Screenwriting. Winners also received goodie bags filled with thoughtful gifts to commemorate their accomplishments.
The event concluded as a celebration of young talent, featuring the role of education and the arts in shaping the future of Indian cinema with a profound impact on participants, inspiring them to pursue their passion for storytelling and filmmaking.
