First Himachal international film festival kicks off in Mandi.
ADC Rohit Rathour along with Raja Singh Rattan Jeweler inaugurating film festival in Mandi.
Shimla:
The inaugural Himachal International Film Festival commenced with grandeur at Sanskriti Sadan in Kangnidhar Mandi, sponsored graciously by Ratan Jewelers. The four-day extravaganza was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mandi, Rohit Rathour. The event saw a vibrant gathering of cinema luminaries, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries from various fields.
The festival, imbued with Himachali folk hues, was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by chief guest ADC Rohit Rathour. Addressing the audience, he expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious event in Mandi, underscoring its cultural significance.
Renowned actor Akhilender Mishra, known for his roles in Chandrakanta and other notable films, graced the occasion and remarked on the cultural richness of Mandi, the cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh. He praised the festival’s director, Pawan Sharma, for pioneering this initiative and fostering local talent in the world of cinema.
Pawan Sharma director of film festival Mandi.
The festival featured a stellar lineup of films, including the screening of ‘The Rabbit House,’ a film starring local talent Gagan Pradeep, set in the picturesque Sainj village of Kullu. Over 35 films, encompassing Himachali, regional, and artistic genres, were showcased during the festival’s duration.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award upon four illustrious personalities for their contributions to Himachal’s cultural heritage. This esteemed accolade honored Prof. Sundar Lohia, KK Nutan, SD Kashyap, and Prof. Ramesh Ravi, who were instrumental in shaping literature, music, and theatre in the region.
KK Nutan prominent writer honoured during film festival Mandi.
Film festival director Pawan Sharma, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude for realizing his dream of organizing a film festival in his hometown. He emphasized his commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering cultural exchange through cinema.
The festival also provided a platform for emerging artists like Sapna, whose journey from Mandi to Mumbai’s National School of Drama and beyond resonated deeply with the audience. Reflecting on her roots, Sapna reiterated her commitment to artistry over stardom.
Raja Singh, representing Ratan Jewelers, the festival’s sponsor, envisioned a promising future for the Himachal International Film Festival, anticipating its growth and impact in the years to come.
The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Mayor Virender Bhatt, Deputy Mayor, Councilors, and academic figures like Pro VC Anupama Singh of Sardar Patel University, reaffirming the festival’s significance in the cultural calendar of Himachal Pradesh.
The inaugural Himachal International Film Festival in Mandi celebrated the confluence of cinema, culture, and heritage, promising a bright future for cinematic arts in the region.
Chief Minister is making statements like a free-spirited leader, forgets the dignity of his post, says BJP MLA Rakesh Jamwal. Shimla: BJP MLA from Sundernagar, […]
7-Day Ice Hockey Training Program Concludes Successfully in Keylong Lahaul and Spiti. Shimla: The 7-day basic Ice Hockey training program, under the “Learn […]
Himachal Cabinet Approves Key Hydro Projects and Strengthens Healthcare and Education. Shimla: In a significant meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, […]