🎥 “Celebrating Cinema: Jain University Short Film Festival Showcases Emerging Talent”
Bengaluru, March 20, 2025 – JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted the much-anticipated JAIN UNIVERSITY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2025, a vibrant celebration of storytelling through short-form cinema. Organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, the festival brought together filmmakers, industry experts, and cinema enthusiasts to honor creative storytelling and fresh perspectives.
Subject Over Budget: The Essence of Filmmaking
Renowned producer and Syndicate Member of the University of Mysore, Dr. T.R. Chandrashekar, emphasized the essence of filmmaking, stating, “Subject is more important than the budget; it’s the first hero of the film.” Encouraging aspiring filmmakers, he added, “There’s nothing to fear about the low success rate of cinema when one is passionate and optimistic about filmmaking.” He also shared a valuable piece of advice: “Watch at least one movie a day, irrespective of language, to gain diverse perspectives on cinema from around the world.”
Cinema as a Universal Language
Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Pro-Vice Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), underscored the power of cinema as a universal medium, stating, “Cinema is a mirror reflecting our shared humanity, transcending borders and barriers.” He further highlighted the festival’s significance in shaping the future of cinema, saying, “Film festivals like ours are incubators for talent, connecting aspiring filmmakers with industry professionals, critics, and audiences.”
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Dr. Bhargavi D. Hemmige, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, expressed her appreciation for the festival’s role in fostering creativity. “JAIN University Short Film Festival is a platform where we celebrate the magical dream of cinema, bringing together storytellers who dare to see the world differently. It serves as a launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers,” she noted.
Fierce Competition and Recognizing Excellence
The festival featured an exciting competition with two categories – professional and student, attracting over 80 entries from across India and beyond. From this diverse pool, 29 outstanding short films made it to the final round, including 17 professional and 12 student films. The winners and runners-up in each category were honored with cash prizes, recognizing their exceptional storytelling and craftsmanship.
Masterclass on Film Branding
As a special prelude to the festival, Dhiraj MV, cinema journalist and founder of Kannada Filmy Club, conducted an insightful seminar, “The Art of Branding a Film!” The session delved into crucial aspects such as film marketing strategies, distribution channels, and the growing influence of OTT platforms. Dhiraj shared expert insights on constructing compelling narratives and effectively positioning films in today’s evolving media landscape.
JAIN (Deemed-to-be University): A Hub for Media Excellence
JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) holds A++ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and a CGPA of 3.71, earning Category-1 autonomy from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India. The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication has consistently ranked among the top media institutions, securing 17th position in the India Today rankings in 2024. With a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, the university offers students opportunities to engage in workshops, guest lectures, and media-centric events, fostering their growth as industry-ready professionals.
The JAIN University Short Film Festival 2025 once again proved to be a melting pot of creativity, passion, and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a premier platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their craft and connect with the industry.
Key Quotes
💬 Dr. T.R. Chandrashekar: “Subject is more important than the budget; it’s the first hero of the film.”
💬 Dr. Dinesh Nilkant: “Cinema is a universal language, a mirror reflecting our shared humanity.”
💬 Dr. Bhargavi D. Hemmige: “This festival is a launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.”
💬 Dhiraj MV: “Branding a film is just as crucial as making one. A strong narrative needs the right audience.”
Q&A
❓ Q: What is the key takeaway from the JAIN University Short Film Festival 2025?
🔹 A: The festival highlighted that a compelling story matters more than a big budget and provided a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their creativity.
❓ Q: What was the significance of the seminar ‘The Art of Branding a Film’?
🔹 A: It guided filmmakers on marketing, branding, and OTT distribution, helping them position their films effectively in the digital era.
❓ Q: What role does JAIN University play in shaping future filmmakers?
🔹 A: The university fosters creativity through industry exposure, expert mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences in media and cinema.
Context and Background
JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) has consistently promoted media education and cinematic arts. With a strong focus on storytelling, creativity, and industry exposure, the university’s film festival serves as a crucial platform for budding filmmakers. The event bridges the gap between academia and the entertainment industry, offering students and professionals an opportunity to network, learn, and showcase their work.
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