Media Release

"Cinema should be woven like a rope with many layers the first being emotion followed by the socio-political dimension, transcending social barriers and concluding with becoming universal." - Girish Kasaravalli.

Mangaluru, Feb 22: The Department of Journalism of St Aloysius College (autonomous) here, organized a national-level seminar, documentary and short film competition 'Shooting Stars' on the theme 'Vinduer: cinema as a catalyst for liberation' on February 20 at 9 am in the L F Rasquinha auditorium of the LCRI block of the campus. The chief guest and resource person for the occasion was Girish Kasaravalli, film director and winner of many national awards and prof I Shanmugha Das, film critic and winner of the Kerala State Film Award for best book on cinema. Dr Veronica Judith Carlo, vice principal of the administrative block was the guest of honor and Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, principal of St Aloysius College presided over the event.

In his address, Girish Kasaravalli stressed upon the importance and need for film studies and clubs being encouraged in different institutions in India. He said, "Cinema should be a part of the curriculum for institutions in India." He highlighted the misconception of film studies being associated with only cinematics. He emphasized that the abundance of visuals today is making people insensitive instead of being sensitive. He told the audience that people today have no sense of desire for visual sensitization and that they are visually illiterate. He articulated that visual media sensitized the people about current happenings.

Dr Veronica Judith Carlo in her speech spoke about the positive impact of journalism on society. She encouraged the students to be journalists for life for the benefit of society. She said that journalism is a tool which can be used for good or bad and that we should make sure that good prevails.
In his presidential address, Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ said that media is a powerful source for change. He emphasized that films or media have a great capacity for learning and that movies have a great impact on how one looks at life. He urged the students to be proactive and imbibe certain values or lessons from the session.

'Shooting Stars' was inaugurated by the symbolic lighting of the lamp by Girish Kasaravalli, I Shanmugha Das, guest of honor, Dr Veronica Judith Carlo; president of the function, Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ along with Bhavya Shetty, HOD of journalism; Jayalakshmi Alva, convener of Shooting Stars, Sowbhagya Shetty and Neeraj Dev, student coordinators for the occasion. Dr A M Narahari, registrar of St Aloysius College, Dr Fr Praveen Martis SJ, director of the LCRI block and Dr Alwyn D'Sa, dean of the arts faculty were also present for the occasion.

Bhavya Shetty, welcomed the gathering and Neeraj Dev proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Shooting Stars’ this year received 22 films for short film and documentary competition along with the dubsmash, vine and photography competitions out of which a short listed section of short films and documentaries were screened during the seminar.

The valedictory of 'Shooting Stars' was held on February 20 at 5 pm at the same place. Dr A M Narahari, registrar of the college and Dr Alwyn D’Sa, dean of the arts faculty were the guests of honor with Fr Francis D’Almeida, campus minster of the college presiding over the event.

Dr A M Narahari, in his address said, “Higher education is to liberate our minds.” He asked the audience to develop an ability to transform knowledge to wisdom. He said that every issue is complex in India and that short films and documentaries can help us look at society more passionately.

In his speech Dr Alwyn D’Sa, stated that creative activity is therapeutic and that is a catalyst in bringing about some change in society. He expressed that the mind is like a parachute, which does not fly if it is not opened. He asked the students to earnestly channel their anger and restlessness through the lens.

In his presidential address, Fr Francis D’Almeida, emphasized on bringing value system into media. He said that young people have a lot of potential with everything available at their fingertips. He urged the students to be creative and make films that make a difference. Fr Walter Anrade SJ, finance officer of St Aloysius College was also present for the occasion.

A prize distribution ceremony for winners of various competitions was held and prizes were handed over to the winners by Girish Kasaravalli and prof I Shanmugha Das along with Fr Francis D’Almeida, Dr A M Narahari, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Bhavya Shetty, Jayalakshmi Alva, Sowbhagya Shetty and Neeraj Dev.

Sowbhagya Shetty welcomed the audience and Jayalakshmi Alva proposed the vote of thanks.

Winners List:

Short Film:
Ist place: ‘Akam’ directed by Tejus
2nd place: ‘Happy New Year’ directed by Arun George
‘Farewell to Satre’ directed by Manish

Documentary:
1st place: ‘Land of Supersitition’ directed by Reema Tandon
2nd place: ‘Putte Hejje’ directed by Chetan Solagi.

For more details contact:
Jayalakshmi Alva, convener: 91 9743 649978
Bhavya Shetty, HOD of journalism: 91 9880 944119