Summary
Jadavpur University's Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union (FETSU) recently concluded its annual extravaganza, Chhayanat '24, an electrifying five-day affair from March 14 through March 20, 2024.
The festival transcended mere entertainment, delving deep into the essence of cinema as a catalyst for resistance, providing a dynamic platform for alternative narratives and progressive voices in the realms of film and theatre.
Jadavpur University's Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union (FETSU) recently concluded its annual extravaganza, Chhayanat '24, an electrifying five-day affair from March 14 through March 20, 2024. The festival transcended mere entertainment, delving deep into the essence of cinema as a catalyst for resistance, providing a dynamic platform for alternative narratives and progressive voices in the realms of film and theatre.
The festivities commenced on March 14 with a riveting street play competition, judged by the illustrious filmmaker Debasish Sen Sharma and the charismatic actor Amit Saha. As the teams from various colleges and universities showcased their talents, the atmosphere crackled with energy and creativity. Simultaneously, budding writers seized the opportunity to shine in a gripping scriptwriting competition. The day unfolded with a flourish of cultural vibrancy, featuring a poignant guest street play Sri Sri Bhojohori Manna by the third theater group, DilKhush, shedding light on the daily struggles of delivery gig workers. Adding to the allure, university students paid a heartfelt musical tribute to the eclectic sounds of world cinema.
Chhayanat '24 provided a dynamic platform for alternative narratives and progressive voices in the realms of film and theatre. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Amidst the fervour, the inauguration ceremony set the stage for profound discussions, with insightful speeches from Sharma and Saha. The audience was then treated to a special screening of Pradipta Bhattacharya’s Kotha Elomelo, Du Char Tukro, followed by an engaging interactive session with the director himself. Wrapping up the day was a captivating stage play titled Tin Poishar Osamajik Pala, a contemporary adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Three Penny Opera by Dum Dum Raktakarabi Natak Academy, which provocatively dissected the social contradictions of our modern society.
Day two showcased thought provoking films such as Reason by Anand Patwardhan and Court by Chaitanya Tamhane, complemented by Debasish Sen Sharma's illuminating discourse on Cinema as a Form of Resistance. The intellectual feast continued on March 18 with Professor Manas Ghosh's enlightening session on Ritwik Ghatak and the Partition Trilogy, offering a contemporary lens on Ghatak's timeless works.
The event was marked by though provoking discussions on cinema ad theatre. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Chhayanat '24 also served as a launchpad for emerging talents in the world of cinema, featuring a stimulating selection of short films from the international short film competition. Professor Anindya Sengupta and directors Kasturi Basu and Dwaipayan Banerjee enriched the discourse with their insights on film movements and political cineTh
The discourse included insights on film movements and political cinema in India. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
The grand finale on the last day of Chhayanat '24 was nothing short of spectacular, with the screening of Muhammad Quyam’s Kura Pokkhir Shunye Ura and a captivating session with the versatile artist Anjan Dutt, who shared his insights on his latest masterpiece Chaalchitra Ekhon. The festival culminated in a poignant tribute to the legendary Mrinal Sen, commemorating his monumental contributions to the world of cinema.
The grand finale culminated in a captivating session with the versatile artist Anjan Dutt, who shared his insights on filmmaking. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Beyond being a mere celebration of film and theater, Chhayanat '24 emerged as a cultural juggernaut, attracting a diverse array of students, intellectuals, and artists. The festival underscored the transformative power of cinema and theatre as potent tools for social commentary and change, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of attending.
Last updated on 02 Apr 2024
