The 11th edition of Avlokan, the annual student film festival hosted by the Department of Media and Communication Studies at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) on May 2 continues to establish itself as a dynamic platform where emerging filmmakers bring untold stories to the forefront.
Centred around the theme “Unseen, Unheard, Unsung,” the film festival drew over 100 entries across Short Fiction, Documentaries, and Reels from students and young filmmakers across India. The films delved on subjects ranging from social justice and marginalized voices to personal journeys and cultural heritage.
In the Short Fiction category, the Best Film Award was conferred on “Lady Bird” by Shivi Ghakher from Benett University, which explores the importance of equal opportunities and education for the girl child. The Best Documentary Film was awarded to Adhaantarit by Ananya Katti by D.Y. Patil International University, which explored the plight of heritage buildings in Pune, while the Short Reels Category saw Devanshi Ahuja and Lavanya Logani from Manav Rachna International School emerging as the winners for sharp storytelling.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), underscored cinema’s ability to reflect society’s conscience. “Films can bring about a positive transformation, apart from presenting immense opportunities for talented individuals.” he said.
Acclaimed actor and activist Gul Panag, in conversation with senior journalist Denzil O’Connell, highlighted how cinema can be a tool for empathy. “It has power to depict our deepest fears and greatest hopes. It has power to challenge our perspectives and ignite change.” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, remarked, “Avlokan is a space for experimentation and bold expression. It offers students a meaningful stage to showcase their talent while engaging with narratives that often go unheard.”
Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, MRIIRS, shared how the university sees platforms like Avlokan as extensions of academic learning. “Creative arts and communication have never been more relevant. Through forums like these, we aim to inspire socially aware storytellers.”
The event was curated by the Department of Media and Communication Studies in collaboration with the Centre for Media & Communication, under the School of Media Studies and Humanities, MRIIRS. The film festival is part of Manav Rachna’s larger mission to empower students through experiential platforms, where learning is driven by expression, exchange, and exploration. The festival was convened by Ms. Jasmita Oberoi, Chief Creative Officer, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions who leads the Centre for Media and Communication and Radio Manav Rachna 107.8 FM.
Dr. Shilpi Jha, Dean, School of Media Studies and Humanities, noted the importance of festivals like Avlokan in shaping a new creative generation. “Our vision is to create a vibrant platform where emerging stories, talents, and perspectives come together to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and audiences.”
The distinguished jury included Dr. Anugyan Nag, Assistant Professor at AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, acclaimed actor Amitabh Shrivastava; Ruchika Negi, filmmaker and Sameer Ashraf, Lead Technical Communication, Digital Imaging, Sony India.
Abhinav Chaturvedi who was the special guest at the valedictory session, underlined the role film festivals like Avlokan play in nurturing young talent and providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers. He called upon the young filmmakers present to explore new avenues and excel in the realm of filmmaking.
