Five days. For five days, in the midst of a searing June heatwave, an oasis appeared in this cultural Kalahari, bringing a modicum of animation to the listless and drooping culture-vultures parked on the bare bones of a surreal Mowgli landscape. Their “What ya wanna do?” “I dunno, what ya wanna do?” was cut short when the first glimpse of the Patnacine logo lit up the ecosystem.

The House of Variety (HoV) played host to the inaugural edition of the ‘Patnacine Festa’ organized by Cineyatra, with the support of an impressive range of partners. As the festival director, Suman Sinha, put it, the ‘landmark festival not only marked the convergence of passion and creativity but also heralded a new era of cultural enrichment in our beloved city of Patna’.

Cineyatra completes a decade of its legal existence this year. Founded in 2012, but officially registered as a society in 2014, this society was born with a mission to ‘rejuvenate the essence of authentic culture, including folk music, paintings, sculpture, literature, and cinema, inspiring those who have drifted from these roots.’ Raviraaj Paatel, the founder-secretary and force behind Cineyatra doesn’t think that it’s a tall order! In his role as ‘Artistic Festival Director’, he brought to the table a delectable menu of offbeat, thought-provoking, contemporary films of varied flavours and textures that were tantalizing enough for the audience to come back for more.

The festival brought to the city some 31 noted and award-winning films. The creative spaces of the HoV housed a film poster exhibition, and a painting exhibition ‘Bodhgaya Biennale Highlights’ for the visitors and delegates. Discussions with industry professionals and film directors and a master class on acting were useful for the artistically inclined, and for those youngsters and amateurs who are beckoned by the lights, sound, and action of stage and screen. It is gratifying to note that the organisers got adequate support and encouragement from the Department of Art, Culture and Youth.

The opening day set the tone with the screening of “Gulmohar,” starring the legendary Sharmila Tagore. The film was an apt choice to inaugurate the festival, symbolizing the blend of classic and contemporary cinema that Patna Cine Festa aimed to promote. Films such as N.R. Datta’s ‘Shadow Assassins’, Dipesh Jains’ ‘Gali Guleiyan‘ and Kumar Shahani’s ‘Maya Darpan‘ brought with them issues and perspectives that engaged the audiences. Shorts such as Ranjan Kumar’s ‘Champaran Mutton ‘, which resonated with local audiences and Chandravanshi’s ‘Agyaat Shatru‘, which stimulated avid discussions, or Manish Saini’s ‘Giddh‘ which evoked a post film introspection, were just some of the gems of this five day audiovisual experience.

Cinema festivals like Patnacine Festa are crucial learning curves for students, children, and professionals. For students, these festivals provide an immersive experience, exposing them to a wide range of cinematic styles and storytelling techniques that they might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. This exposure broadens their creative horizons, fosters critical thinking, and enhances their understanding of global cultures and social issues through the medium of film.

For school students, cinema festivals can ignite a lifelong passion for the arts. By watching diverse films, participating in interactive sessions, and engaging with filmmakers, children develop an appreciation for different perspectives and storytelling forms. These experiences can be both educational and inspirational, encouraging them to explore their own creative potential.

For the aspiring and younger professionals in the film industry, festivals serve as a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. Masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions provide valuable insights into the latest industry trends, techniques, and innovations. Moreover, the opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience can lead to new opportunities and collaborations, furthering their careers and contributing to the overall growth of the film industry.

The importance of cinema festivals extends beyond mere entertainment. They play a pivotal role in cultural education, personal development, and professional growth, making them an indispensable part of the cultural landscape.

  Bihar, Cineyatra, Film, House of Variety, Media, Patna, Patnacine Festa