The 5th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala is slated to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from the 8th to 12th June 2012. The festival is being organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy for the Dept of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Kerala as part of its endeavor to catalyze a vibrant documentary and short film movement.
Highlight of the festival is a National Level Competition with attractive cash prizes for long documentaries, short documentaries, Animation and short fiction films produced in India between 1st May 2011 and 30th April 2012 and deadline for submission is on or before 30th April 2012.
A Campus level competition for films made in Kerala campuses is another highlight of the festival. Campus films competition is for films produced by students from Educational Institutions above Higher Secondary level based in Kerala. There will be a competition for short fiction films for bonafide students studying within Kerala .The films will have to be 20 min or under in duration and produced between Jan 1st 2011 and 30th April 2012 . The director of the film has to be above 18 years at the time of production.
There will also be specially curated sections focusing on issues, themes, countries and the works of filmmakers. The programme will also include Interaction/Workshop Sections with Media and Professionals from all over India.
Competition sections include Long and Short Documentaries, Short Fiction, Animation and Music Videos. Eminent International Juries will select the Award winning films. Increasing accessibility and affordability of media technology has led to a boom in the production and scope of films. The media is now used by image-makers from all walks of life to express, experiment, learn and as an effective tool to conscientise and bring about social change. The festival aims to map and reflect the exploding nature of the medium in its many facets of creativity and resistance.
Entries are invited for the Competition and non competitive sections. Details with Entry forms are available on their website and here. The last date for submitting completed Entry form and preview material is on or before 30th April 2012.
The Festival attracts representation from the best films, renowned directors, technicians and spectators from all across the globe. The festival held during December 2007 saw some 6000 delegates from India and abroad attending and 129 films from 40 countries being screened.