The July edition of the Kookai International Film Festival commenced with great enthusiasmat the SACAS Preview Theatre. The event began at 9:00 AM with the traditional lighting ofthe lamp, symbolizing the inauguration of the festival. This significant ritual was followed bya warm welcome address delivered by Dr. R. Srinivasan, Head of the Department at S.A.College of Arts and Science (SACAS). Dr. Srinivasan expressed his delight at hosting thefestival and emphasized the importance of such cultural events in fostering creativity andintellectual growth among students.Following the welcome address, the Festival Director, Mr. Selvaraman, provided a brief introduction to the film festival, outlining its objectives and the significance of the films being screened. He highlighted the festival’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of films, both domestic and international, that offer unique perspectives and artistic expression. The Kookai International Film Festival, known for its dedication to celebrating cinematic excellence, continues to serve as a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience.

The first film to be screened at the SACAS Preview Theatre was Jama, a 2024 Indian Tamil-language drama directed by Pari Elavazhagan. The film, which ran for 30 minutes, captivated

the audience with its heartfelt portrayal of the traditional art form, Theru Koothu. Jama starsPari Elavazhagan, Ammu Abhirami, and Chetan, with supporting performances by Sri KrishnaDayal, KVN Manimegalai, Vasant Marimuthu, Siva Maran, A.K. Elavazhagan, and KaalaKumar. Despite certain narrative shortcomings, Jama is recognized as a genuine tribute toTheru Koothu, striving to revive this fading art form and bring it to the attention of acontemporary audience.After the screening, the students were given a unique opportunity to interact with the film’s crew members via a Skype video call. This session was highly interactive, with students eagerly engaging with the filmmakers and asking questions about the film’s production, themes, and the challenges faced in reviving a traditional art form. The crew members shared insights intot heir creative process, the significance of Theru Koothu in Tamil culture, and the motivation behind making Jama. This interaction provided students with a deeper understanding of the film and the dedication required to create meaningful cinema.

The highlight of the festival was the award ceremony, where Jama swept several prestigious awards. The film won accolades in multiple categories, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Female Lead, and Best Film. These awards are a testament to the film’s impact and the exceptional performances delivered by the cast and crew. The recognition of Jama atthe  Kookai International Film Festival underscores the film’s cultural relevance and its contribution to the preservation of traditional art forms. The second film screened was Balloon, an international German film with English subtitles. The film, based on a real-life incident, tells the gripping story of two families attempting to flee the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in a homemade hot air balloon. After their initial escape plan fails, they face significant challenges as they try to devise a second plan. Balloon captivated the audience with its intense narrative and emotional depth, providing a historical perspective on the struggles faced by those living in the GDR during the Cold War era. Following the screening of Balloon, students once again had the opportunity to interact with the film’s crew via a Skype call. This session was equally engaging, with students asking thoughtful questions about the film’s historical context, the process of adapting a true story for the screen, and the challenges of filming such a tense and dramatic escape. The crew memberswere generous in their responses, offering insights into the filmmaking process and the importance of historical accuracy in story telling.The Kookai International Film Festival’s July screening was a resounding success, leavingstudents inspired and more knowledgeable about the art of filmmaking. The interactive sessions provided valuable learning experiences, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals and gain insights into the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking. The festival continues to be a significant cultural event, enriching the academic environment at SACAS and fostering a deeper appreciation for cinema among students.