Patna: A three-day Gandhi Film Festival began at Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh, Patna, on Wednesday, bringing together filmmakers, film critics, academics and audiences to explore Mahatma Gandhi’s life and philosophy through cinema.
The festival was inaugurated at the auditorium on the first floor of Bapu Tower with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Building Construction Department, along with other dignitaries.
Guests were also welcomed with bouquets, mementos, shawls and books presented on behalf of Bapu Tower.
Discussion on Gandhi and cinema
The first session featured a special lecture on “Gandhi and Film”.
Vinay Kumar, Director of Bapu Tower, delivered the welcome address and introduced the theme, highlighting the objectives of Bapu Tower and the importance of using cinema to communicate Gandhian ideals to younger generations.
Pranav Kumar said cinema had played an important role in taking Gandhi’s life, philosophy and messages to a wider audience.
He noted that Gandhi had influenced cinema from its early years and that films based on his ideas continue to be made in contemporary times.
Swadha Rizvi, Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Patna, and R.N. Das, retired IAS officer and president of the Cine Society, also shared their views during the session.
Film critic Vinod Anupam delivers keynote
Renowned film critic Vinod Anupam, the keynote speaker, delivered a detailed lecture on “Gandhi and Film”.
He said Gandhi’s life could be viewed as a cinematic canvas that had inspired filmmakers in India and around the world.
Razi Ahmed, Secretary of Gandhi Sangrahalaya and chairperson of the event, spoke about the continuing relevance of Gandhian values in his presidential address.
Seven films across three days
The opening day featured two screenings.
Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-winning ‘Gandhi’ (1982) was screened at 11 am, followed by ‘Gandhi – Prophet of the 20th Century’ (1940) at 3 pm.
On September 10, the second day of the festival will feature ‘Mahatma Gandhi Talks’ (1931) during the morning session and ‘A Boundless Idea’ (1970) in the afternoon. The latter explores Gandhian philosophy.
The festival will conclude on September 11 with three screenings. ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’ (2005), which examines the relevance of Gandhi’s ideas in a modern context, will be screened at 11 am.
The programme will also feature historical footage through screenings of ‘Noakhali Extracts’ (1946) and ‘South India Tour of Mahatma Gandhi’ (1946).
The event was moderated by Arun Kumar Pathak, Under Secretary at Bapu Tower, while Lalit Kumar Singh, Deputy Director at Bapu Tower, proposed the vote of thanks.
A large number of schoolchildren, members of the public and dignitaries attended the inaugural programme.
