International Cinema Festival Opens in Mandi with Powerful Social Messages.
ADC Priyanshu Khati inaugurates nine-day Shakh Mandi Mahotsav; praises meaningful cinema and announces efforts to screen film on female foeticide in schools.
Shimla:
The nine-day Shakh Mandi Mahotsav, an International Cinema Festival and cultural celebration organised by the Society for Himachal Art Culture Knowledge and Heritage (Shakh), began on a grand note at the auditorium constructed at Paddal Ground in Mandi on Saturday.
The first phase of the festival commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mandi Priyanshu Khati (IAS). Addressing the gathering, Khati said that the International Cinema Festival had provided an important platform for the screening of meaningful films dealing with pressing social concerns.
The ADC appreciated Shakh for bringing socially relevant cinema to the people of Mandi and congratulated the organisation for taking up such a meaningful initiative. He said that films carrying strong social messages can play an important role in creating awareness and inspiring society to address deep-rooted social evils.
ADC praises film on female foeticide
One of the major highlights of the opening programme was the screening of “End of a Beginning,” a film that highlights the serious social issue of female foeticide. Appreciating the film, Gati said that its powerful and sharp message had a deep emotional impact on the audience.
The film has been directed by Ram Pal Mallik, with Shalavi Sharma portraying the female lead. Co-director Pushp Raj Pushpi was also present during the programme.
Khati said the film’s message against the killing of female foetuses in the womb was particularly significant and deserved to reach a wider audience. He stated that he would make efforts to have the film screened in as many schools as possible on the occasion of the upcoming Daughters’ Day, so that young students could understand the consequences of female foeticide and develop greater sensitivity towards the issue.
He emphasised that cinema is not merely a source of entertainment but can become a powerful instrument for social transformation when it addresses issues affecting people’s lives.
Film jury members attend inaugural programme
The opening ceremony was also attended by members of the festival’s film jury, including Ashok Mehra from New Delhi, Ritesh Mehta from Nahan and Suraj Ratan from Dharamshala.
Their presence added significance to the festival, which seeks to provide a platform for films with meaningful themes and artistic merit. The festival is expected to showcase cinema that connects entertainment with social awareness and cultural expression.
Eminent personalities and youth participate
Several distinguished personalities from the fields of education, public life and culture were present on the occasion. Among the special guests were retired principal of Vallabh Government College Ashok Awasthi, educationist Narpat Rana, Professor Dharm Pal Kapoor, councillor Sarita Handa and Professor Chaman Rahi.
A large number of young people also attended the inaugural programme, lending an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere to the event.
The programme was conducted by Kuldeep Guleria, retired District Public Relations Officer and a dedicated promoter of public arts. His association with cultural and artistic activities added to the appeal of the opening ceremony.
The organisers said that the Shakh Mandi Mahotsav aims to promote cinema, art, culture and heritage while creating a space for meaningful dialogue on social issues. The festival will continue over the next nine days with cinema screenings and cultural activities, bringing together filmmakers, artists, members of the film fraternity, cultural enthusiasts and the public on a common platform.
