Media Release
Udupi, Dec 9: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved a significant milestone with the selection of two of its documentaries for the 8th International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF) to be held in Thrissur, Kerala. The prestigious event, which highlights folklore and cultural heritage through cinema, will showcase over 200 films selected from more than 800 entries worldwide. The festival is scheduled from January 10 to 15, 2025, and is organized by the International Film Festival of Thrissur (IFFT), Bhoumam Social Initiative, the Centre for Media Studies at St Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India.
MAHE’s documentaries, Pilivesha of Tulunadu and Satyada Siri: A Woman’s Tale, reflect the institution’s commitment to promoting the vibrant cultural heritage of the region on a global platform.
Pilivesha of Tulunadu: Pilivesha of Tulunadu delves into the iconic tradition of Pilivesha, or Tiger Dance, an art form intrinsic to Tulu Nadu’s cultural identity. The film showcases its role in fostering harmony among diverse communities while preserving an artistic heritage unique to the region.
Satyada Siri: A Woman’s Tale explores themes of faith and spirituality, portraying the deep connection between personal beliefs and communal well-being. This documentary has already garnered international recognition, having been screened at the Multicultural Film Festival 2024 in Perth, Australia, and the Cinemaking International Film Festival 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Pilivesha of Tulunadu was recently selected for the Tokyo Documentary Film Festival 2024, where it was screened on December 5 under the visual anthropology category in Tokyo, Japan.
Both documentaries are directed by Dr Praveen K Shetty, coordinator of the Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue (CISD) at MAHE, and Nitesh Anchan, research associate at CISD. These films are part of Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu, an initiative launched by MAHE in September 2021. The project aims to bring the cultural richness of Tulu Nadu, encompassing Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kasargod districts, to a global audience through a self-paced online course.
Offered by the Directorate of Online Education at MAHE, the course integrates documentaries, expert lectures, and academic readings, providing participants an immersive experience into Tulunadu’s living traditions. Since its launch, over 450 participants have completed the course, with the next batch slated for registration in the last week of December 2024.
MAHE’s ongoing efforts through CISD underscore its dedication to preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of Tulu Nadu while positioning itself as a globally recognized academic institution with deep regional roots.
For further details, visit International Folklore Film Festival official website https://www.iffft.in/selected-list
(List - India- 30, and 33)