Screening of International Films alongside Student-Directed Projects and Cultural Performances to be the Highlights
Bhopal: The two-day International Film Festival and Film Exhibition, "Cinebration 3.0," organized by the Department of Cinema and Public Relations at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU), Bhopal, was inaugurated on Tuesday. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University, Vijay Manohar Tiwari, renowned film actor Rajeev Verma, and the Director of Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD), Sanjay Srivastava.
Held at the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Auditorium, the festival features a curated selection of international and national films, alongside cinematic works produced by the students of the Department of Cinema. On this occasion, the VC and the chief guests also inaugurated a film poster exhibition. Through their films, students effectively presented diverse themes, burning social issues, and rich cultural narratives.
Highlights of Day 1: A total of 13 films were screened on the first day, including 3 international and 4 national projects. Notable screenings included films such as Thug, Signature, Gudum Baja, Atithi, Salary, and Kitaab. These films featured performances by prominent Bhopal-based artists, including theater veteran Shobha Chatterjee, Harsh Dawood, Devraj Joshi, among others. The day also witnessed vibrant cultural presentations, including Bollywood songs, drama, and dance performances.
Presiding over the event, Vice-Chancellor Vijay Manohar Tiwari remarked that films serve as a reflection of modern society while honoring traditional values. He expressed his delight at seeing students strive for new heights through cinema. Encouraging students to create socially relevant content, he noted that their films demonstrate deep storytelling capabilities, technical proficiency, and a clear cinematic vision. He further assured that the festival would be scaled up significantly in the coming years.
Chief Guest Sanjay Srivastava, Director of MPSD, lauded the festival, stating that Madhya Pradesh has made significant contributions to Bollywood and referred to Bhopal as the cultural capital of the country. He noted that the subjects chosen by the students are on par with mainstream cinema and provoke thoughtful reflection.
Veteran Bollywood actor Rajeev Verma also praised the students' work, urging them to continue pursuing excellence. He specifically commended the film poster exhibition, describing it as being of professional, mainstream quality.
Dr. Pavitra Srivastava, Head of the Department of Cinema and Public Relations, outlined the program’s vision, emphasizing that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but a powerful tool for education and public awareness. He motivated students to refine the art of creative storytelling and engage in experimental filmmaking on meaningful subjects.
The second day of Cinebration will feature more film screenings, a Bollywood-themed Cosplay, plays, and various cultural activities. The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony to honor outstanding creative achievements.
The event was attended by Assistant Professors Jaya Surjani (Public Relations), Gajendra Awasya (Cinema), Sandeep Bhatt, Ramdeen Tyagi, Smriti Joshi, along with other faculty members and staff.