Second Day: Himachal International Film Festival in Mandi Delivers Compelling Screenings
The Newz Radar
The second day of the inaugural Himachal International Film Festival in Mandi city concluded with a rich array of film screenings and engaging discussions across multiple venues. Held at both IIT Mandi and the Kangni Dhar Cultural House, the festival spotlighted a diverse selection of films that resonated deeply with attendees.
At IIT Mandi, the acclaimed film “Brina,” directed by Pawan Sharma, took center stage. Inspired by the folk song “Lohla” from Mandi district, the film narrated a poignant tale of sacrifice amidst familial expectations. Simultaneously, Sharma’s “Van Rakshak,” depicting the tragic story of forest guard Hoshiar Singh, unfolded at the Cultural House, drawing attention to environmental issues and human resilience.
Among the festival highlights were Praveen Hingorani’s “Navras,” a cinematic exploration of the nine emotions described in Natyashastra, and Mukesh Kumar Singh’s thought-provoking “Home Sweet Home,” which left a lasting impression on the audience. Vipul Sharma’s “Pravas” and the Himachali film “Keel,” directed by Aryan Harnot and based on a story by S.R. Harnot, also garnered significant acclaim.
During discussions at IIT Mandi, Pawan Sharma advocated for the introduction of film technology and production courses at institutions like IIT, supported by visiting directors and actors eager to contribute to such initiatives. Actor Rajesh Jaish expressed personal support for expanding into web series and documentary production.
Reflecting on the festival’s impact, Director Pawan Sharma highlighted its success in forging emotional connections with audiences. He noted that the festival had sparked enthusiastic conversations about the films showcased, cementing its significance in the cultural landscape of Mandi and beyond.
