JAIN University’s Cinemates 3.0 Ignites Passion for Filmmaking on National Cinema Day
Bengaluru, September 11, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of storytelling and cinematic art, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted ‘Cinemates 3.0’ to mark National Cinema Day. The event brought together aspiring filmmakers, industry veterans, and cinephiles for a day dedicated to the craft, creativity, and cultural significance of Indian cinema.
The centrepiece of the event was a gruelling 48-hour inter-collegiate short film challenge. Participants from across India were tasked with creating compelling narratives based on the theme ‘Vṛtta – The Circle of Life,’ pushing the boundaries of their creativity under intense time constraints.
Cinema as a Cultural Document, Not Mere Spectacle
The event was graced by renowned Sandalwood director, actor, and writer N. Vinayaka, who delivered a powerful keynote on the profound impact of cinema. He moved the discourse beyond entertainment, positioning film as a vital historical ledger.
“Cinema is not just entertainment, it is documentation of our culture, language and generations,” Vinayaka stated. He drew a parallel between the art of filmmaking and life itself, noting, “What we do in mise-en-scène is set everything before the camera, and I feel the students here are preparing their own mise-en-scène for life.”
Applauding the 48-hour challenge, he offered a motivational message to the young creators: “This contest teaches us not to wait for opportunities, but to create them. National Cinema Day should not be celebrated on just one day, but every day, because cinema educates, enlightens and records history.”
The Art of Cinema: A Universe of Collaborative Effort
Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Pro-Vice Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), provided a thought-provoking analysis by contrasting cinema with circus. “Circus is entertainment, cinema is an art. Circus is also an art, but then what happens in cinema, you have so many zones to work… a unit of almost 100 people. Learning this art is very important,” he remarked.
He elaborated on the immense, often unseen, effort behind every frame. “Cinema is not merely entertainment; it is an art that shapes how society learns, remembers, and communicates… Behind every film lies immense effort, compromise, and teamwork, which are often unseen by the audience.”
Dr. Nilkant also emphasized the critical synergy between journalism and cinematic storytelling, asserting, “For journalism students, mastering the language of cinema, camera, editing, sound, and storytelling is essential.”
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A Platform for Innovation and Unbridled Creativity
Dr. Bhargavi D Hemmige, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, commended the extraordinary efforts of all participants. “Cinemates 3.0 gives the students a platform to think, create and express through cinema. The 48-hour challenge showcased the efforts put in by the teams, proving that storytelling has no limits,” she said.
She highlighted the event’s role in nurturing future talent, adding, “Initiatives such as Cinemates provide an essential space for students to experiment, innovate and demonstrate their creative capabilities to a wider audience.”
Celebrating the Winners and the Legacy of Indian Cinema
The intense competition saw over 50 participants from colleges across India, with 16 teams making the shortlist. The winning title was claimed by Government Arts & Science College, Chennai, for their short film “Aruvazhi.” The professional category was won by AAG Production’s “The Future Killer.”
Adding to the day’s festivities was ‘Mise-en-scène,’ an exhibition that celebrated the rich diversity of Indian cinema. From the glamour of Bollywood to the powerhouse narratives of Sandalwood and Tollywood, the showcase offered a glimpse into the enduring legacy and unifying power of India’s varied film industries, inspiring a new generation to pick up the camera and tell their own stories.
Key Quotes:
From N. Vinayaka:
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“Cinema is not just entertainment, it is documentation of our culture, language and generations.”
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“The 48-hour contest teaches us not to wait for opportunities, but to create them.”
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“National Cinema Day should be celebrated every day because cinema educates, enlightens and records history.”
From Dr. Dinesh Nilkant:
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“Circus is entertainment, cinema is an art. Behind every film lies immense effort, compromise, and teamwork unseen by the audience.”
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“For journalism students, mastering the language of cinema is essential.”
From Dr. Bhargavi D Hemmige:
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“Cinemates 3.0 proves that storytelling has no limits.”
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“The platform allows students to experiment, innovate and demonstrate their creative capabilities.”
