Factual
Talenthouse India to host 2nd edition of India Mobile Film Festival
MUMBAI: Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films India Mobile Film Festival (IMFF 2016), in association with Reliance Communication & Talent house India, have created a platform for filmmakers to showcase their original creations by just using their mobile phones. The objective was to create a game changing platform for short films in India, which reduces the entry barrier for film-makers and bring creativity to the forefront. With a variety of smart phones on the market, every smartphone user (220 Mn+) in India is a potential film-maker.
Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films also showcases films made by some of India’s finest such as Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra, Sujoy Ghosh and inspires aspiring directors to create film and rewards them for their originality by showcasing them on the platform.
Commenting on the project Pernod Ricard India AVP marketing Raja Banerji said, “Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films was conceptualised to support the short film format in our country. We are proud to be the presenting partner to India Mobile Film Festival, an edgy and ground-breaking idea. In line with the Barrel Select philosophy of “Make it Perfect”, the brand intends to create a format to encourage creativity with this unique concept and connect with the discerning audience by offering a unique experience of fresh content through this platform. The Brand has always encouraged people to strive for perfection to achieve their dreams and Make it Large.”
Reliance Communications CEO consumer business Gurdeep Singh said “The Indian Mobile Film Festival (IMFF 2016) marks the beginning of a true revolution and transition on the art & culture scene and RCOM is delighted to partner with Talenthouse India and support the efforts,”. We are now at an age when smartphones are being used to express creativity with minimal budgets resulting in some extraordinary artistic and cinematic feat. We wish IMFF 2016 all the very best for this event and all their future endeavors,” he added.
Talenthouse India CEO Arun Mehra said, “After a successful first edition in 2015 where we received around 400 films and support from the industry and film-makers, we set out to make 2016 even bigger than last year. Talenthouse India is the largest curator of short films in India over the last 3 years. The idea of using a mobile phone to shoot films, had to be taken to the next level and we added a new Internationalfilm category this year because we believe that this format is global in nature. With support from our partners, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films & Reliance Communications, we were delighted to receive over 1200 films across categories from 7 countries. The artistic community has always provided us with exceptional content and this time has been no different.”
IMFF 2016 reached out to film-makers and budding artists across 60 Indian cities through a combination of Digital & on-ground outreach program. According to the IMFF figures, the combined reach for this campaign was about 5 Million and as a result, the campaign crowdsourced over 1200 films from across 60 cities and 7 countries in just 6 weeks.
This year, the India Mobile Film Festival invited participation in five categories included the newly inducted International category. The categories in 2016 are: Short films (5-10 mins), Micro films (2-5 mins), Nano films (up to 2 mins), International films (up to 10 mins) and My first short (Any interesting, quirky or impactful moments captured candidly on mobile) with cash prizes of over INR 3 lakh and individual awards to be won across categories.
A panel of renowned jury members, spearheaded by our Chief Mentor Sanjay Gadhvi – (superhit Director of Dhoom 1 and 2) have selected the very best films along with the highly respected film and television actress Shubha Khote, popular Film Actor and Producer Karan Shah, Superhit Editor Rameshwar S. Bhagat and film writer Rohit Banawlikar.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
