Tamil Studio, which defines itself as "the movement for good cinema functioning in Chennai", is all set to hold the Independent Film Festival of Chennai (IFFC) 2019, beginning from February 8. According to Tamil Studio, the film festival will provide opportunities to filmmakers, individuals, students and assistant filmmakers to submit versions of promising films in short reels or trailers. The 3-day festival will also have multiple sections that will screen movies on two screens and an open theatre for three days, identifying and celebrating independent filmmakers.
Directors and film technicians from all over India and abroad will assess the entrants for their screenwriting and production skills, and choose the best among the contestants. The festival will then assist the chosen filmmakers to film their screenplay, screen the films and participate in reputed film festivals around the world.
The festival will also have a queer films section titled 'Queer Lens' for which queer-activist Moulee will be curating works that represent the queer community.
Short films will also find a place in the festival, and the best of the films will be made into an anthology and screened to reach a wider audience. Monetary prizes will be given to the best of productions.
IFFC will host introductory master classes for participants (mainly students) on the latest technologies used in filmmaking. There will also be panel discussions featuring international artistes and directors, and pitching sessions for documentaries and independent feature films of all genres.
Adding to the already exciting line-up of film screening, group discussion and master classes, IFFC will host the ‘Cinema sandhai’. It is a one-stop destination for all Independent films. IFFC will also have an ‘Archived Films’ section, which will screen never-before-seen yesteryear movies exclusively for IFFC participants.
According to the organisers, the prime attraction of IFFC 2019 will be ‘Saamikannu Tentu kottaai’. It is an open-air theatre, where IFFC will screen select films during the festival. The festival will also be screening 30+ independent movies.
Entry passes can be availed through registration on the IFFC website for individuals above 18 years of age.