Media students of St Xavier’s College, Ranchi are determined to bring a change. They are not only working for the cause through preparing documentaries, public service announcements and posters but also aiming to set a self example of the positive change.
The spirit was expressed by dozens of undergraduate Mass Communication and Video Production (MCVP) students participating at the two-day Cynosure Film Festival which commenced on Thursday.
Sarvesh Maheshwari, a final year student said that social issues have been the motive behind organising the Cynosure since 2010. “Prior to this film fest, we did a street play on child marriage to spread the awareness on the crime. Moreover, the photographs and posters submitted by the participants are based on violation of child rights,” added Sarvesh.
Similarly, Manisha Minj, a student of the same batch and media coordinator of the ongoing fest pointed on public service announcements based on adoption, surrogacy, eve teasing and old age sufferings along with documentaries on labour, waste management, alcohol, discrimination between cricket and other sports disciplines which were shown on the first day of the fest.
These presentations have been prepared by the students. Interestingly, the first year students of the batch were also passionate on the concept. Asked about the reason, Akanksha Thakur and Shashank, both students of first year said, “We all have to pursue a career in media field. Unless we change our mindset on the misconceptions prevailing in the society, eradicating the problems from root is not possible.”
However, budding independent Bollywood film director Mihir Sharma from Gumla, the chief guest of the fest felt state government’s support will help in grooming the talents of these students so that they can be absorbed easily in metropolitan based media houses. “It took me a decade to get a scope in mainstream cinema. I do not want these youngsters to undergo the same long struggling phase. State government must take interest in promoting local film makers like West Bengal, Assam and UP,” he mentioned.
Sharma’s directed feature film ‘Aayaam’ is presently in the post production phase and depicts the social stigma prevailing in the society. Being a resident of Jharkhand, he is looking forward to involve the students of MCVP department so that together they can show their urge to bring a change in the society.