Blog: Film festivals

Chhayanat is not just another film festival!
Since its inception, the Chhayanat Film and Theatre Festival at Jadavpur University has stood as a bastion of alternative cultural expression. Rooted in a profound commitment to challenge dominant narratives and advocating for social change, this festival has evolved into a vital platform for cinematic and theatrical exploration. Drawing inspiration from cinematic movements such as poetic realism, Italian neorealism, French New Wave, Surrealism and Iranian and world cinema, as well as the rich tradition of socially conscious theater, Chhayanat has become an abode for film lovers. It embraces an anti-fascist and anti-imperialist perspective. The influence of Italian Neorealism on Chhayanat is evident in the festival's selection of films that prioritize raw emotions, personal storytelling and stark portrayals of social injustice.

The impetus behind the formation of the Chhayanat Film Festival stems from a deep-seated desire to showcase films that not only entertain but also challenge and provoke thought. It is a celebration of cinema that transcends mere entertainment, delving into the realms of political and social commentary. From the works of directors who embody the spirit of resistance, such as Mrinal Sen and Ritwik Ghatak, to contemporary filmmakers like Jafar Panahi and Jean-Luc Godard, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Chhayanat provides a platform for voices that often go unheard in mainstream cinema.

Moreover, the festival extends its embrace to theater, recognizing the inherent connection between the two art forms. Drawing from the revolutionary works of playwrights such as Bertolt Brecht, Federico García Lorca and Augusto Boal, Chhayanat underscores the importance of freedom of expression in theater. It pays homage to the legacy of figures like Shambhu Mitra, Utpal Dutt and Badal Sircar, who used theater as a tool for social change.