Mandi film festival to give new wings to Himachal tourism, says Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma
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Organiser Raja Singh Malhotra says future events will be on a larger scale
MANDI: The four-day Himachal International Film Festival, held for the first time in Chhoti Kashi Mandi, concluded on Sunday (June 30, 2024) evening.
The festival, organised by Kala Entertainment, was concluded by Himachal Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma. During the festival, which took place at Sanskriti Sadan in Mandi, 40 films were screened, showcasing real-life events and raising awareness about social issues.
Outstanding directors, producers and actors were also honoured at the closing ceremony. Senior IAS officer Omkar Sharma, who attended the event as the chief guest, called it a great initiative for Mandi and Himachal Pradesh.
He mentioned that the film industry professionals explored various locations in Mandi district over the four days, admiring its beauty. He expressed hope that they would return to shoot their films, boosting the state’s tourism. He also congratulated Kala Entertainment and other organisers for the excellent event.
Raja Singh Malhotra, founder of Kala Entertainment, said that several artistes from Mandi district were carving out a good name for themselves in the film industry. The festival aimed to bring them together on one platform and convey various messages to the public through clean cinema.
“This was the first attempt and everyone’s significant contribution made it successful. In the future, the festival will be organised on a larger scale to provide Mandi residents with even more insights into the cinema world,” he said.
Film producers, directors and artistes who brought their films from different parts of the country were honoured with awards at the closing event. Mumbai-based film director Shumon Goho expressed his love for the mountains and how he felt their true beauty during his visit. He congratulated the entire team of Kala Entertainment for organising the film festival in the hills.
An open stage event was also held during the closing ceremony, where local residents and people associated with theatre and cinema asked questions to the visiting artistes and got their answers.
Several dignitaries, including Mandi ADC Rohit Rathore, film actors Akhilendra Mishra, Yashpal Sharma, Sanjay Mishra, Rajesh Jais, Neeraj Sood, Sapna Sand, Gagan Pradeep, Peehu, director and organiser Pawan Kumar Sharma and director Aditya Om were present on the occasion.
