Regional cinema showcased at university event
The two-day International Film Festival of the Haryanvi Innovative Film Association (HIFA) opened on Saturday at Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts in Rohtak, with the screening of the 53-minute Haryanvi film Muawza marking the start of the programme.
Organisers said the festival aims to provide a global platform for Haryana’s language, art and culture, and to promote local filmmaking talent to wider, international audiences. The opening day included multiple screenings, a masterclass on filmmaking and the release of a university newsletter.
Guests, screenings and workshops
Festival organisers listed a number of prominent attendees at the inauguration. They included actor and festival chairman Yashpal Sharma, actress-producer Vandana Bhatia, National Award-winning filmmaker Rajiv Bhatia, and Sumitra Hooda and Asha Hooda, identified in the programme as the mothers of Bollywood actors Bhumi Pednekar and Randeep Hooda respectively. University officials present at the event included Registrar Dr Gunjan Malik Manocha and Dean of Academic Affairs Dr Ajay Kaushik, who welcomed guests and presented mementoes and shawls.
HIFA president and writer-director Janardan Sharma said 16 films in different languages were screened on the opening day; among the titles mentioned were Sanjhi, Wada and Sangi. HIFA secretary Rampal Balhara confirmed a masterclass on filmmaking had attracted participants and said the festival would conclude with an award ceremony on Sunday.
- Opening film: Muawza (53 minutes)
- Films screened (opening day): 16 titles, including Sanjhi, Wada and Sangi
- Event elements: Screenings, masterclass, release of university newsletter, awards ceremony
Masterclass: focus on story, craft and cinema’s social role
Bollywood producer-director Ashwini Chaudhary led a masterclass addressing screenplay writing, character development, camera language, artist selection and the challenges of direction. He discussed the craft in practical terms and encouraged experimentation. In the session he offered a succinct view on the foundations of good filmmaking:
“A good film starts with a strong story and a clear understanding of the subject,” Chaudhary said, adding that filmmaking is a way of understanding society and human emotions.
Organisers said Chaudhary responded to participants’ questions with examples from his experience and urged emerging filmmakers to continue learning and to present fresh ideas creatively.
University involvement and publications
At the inauguration, the university released the second edition of its newsletter Abhivyakti. University representatives participated in the ceremonial welcome, signalling institutional support for the festival and its aim of integrating academic and practical aspects of performing and visual arts.
Closing plans and awards
Rampal Balhara, HIFA secretary, outlined that the festival’s closing ceremony on Sunday would host the award presentation. Beyond the screenings and workshop, organisers portrayed the event as an opportunity for students, local filmmakers and audiences in Rohtak to engage with regional cinema and visiting practitioners.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak |
| Duration | Two days |
| Opening film | Muawza (53 minutes) |
| Number of films (opening day) | 16 |
Organisers described the festival as an occasion to highlight Haryanvi language cinema and to offer practical learning for aspiring filmmakers. The awards and closing events were scheduled for the final day of the festival.
