Film, science and technology can spark people’s imaginations: Shekhar Kapur

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said on Saturday that cinema has the power to make people curious about different aspects of life, including science.

Citing the example of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park films, Kapur said that films have the ability to arouse curiosity in audiences about any scientific subject.

“I remember watching Steven Spielberg work on ‘Jurassic Park’ films and I found that everyone around the world suddenly became interested in dinosaurs. Interest in dinosaurs has grown and has never left us. So there is a saying that films fire your imagination, ”said the filmmaker.

The experienced director spoke at the virtual closing ceremony of the International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI).

“Films, science, and technology have the ability to capture people’s imaginations, especially among young filmmakers. Science and storytelling have always matched and always fostered a scientific temperament and also a temperament of curiosity. That’s what stories do, they make you curious and resourceful, ”added Kapur.

The filmmaker, who is known for producing critically acclaimed films like Masoom, Mr India, Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, claimed that documentaries and films on scientific subjects or about scientific figures are “very resourceful”.

“They can create a sense of fantasy in the people who are actually watching them. You don’t just give them knowledge, that’s not the only reason we make films. The reason why we make films and tell stories is to create and inspire people’s imaginations, to make them curious. “

Kapur said that with the influx of digital platforms, the lines between fiction and documentary storytelling are blurring.

“When you watch Netflix or Amazon in this new world of so-called OTT platforms, you find that the number of documentaries being made is increasing, and these documentaries are very resourceful,” he added.

The ISFFI, held on the sidelines of the India International Science Festival (IISF), was organized with the aim of promoting the popularization of science among citizens and attracting talented filmmakers and science enthusiasts.

A special message from megastar Amitabh Bachchan was also played during the graduation ceremony.

The veteran actor said science and technology play an important role in finding solutions to social problems.

“Science and technology are an engine for building a prosperous, independent country. The happiness and future of a country depend on this development. In a modern and innovative society, where there is much progress and communication is immediate, science and technology are becoming a large part of everyday life and a key to both our longevity and all of our existence on this planet, ”he added added.

The festival received 634 scientific contributions, short films and documentaries from 60 countries, out of which 230 were selected.

Renowned filmmaker Mike Pandey chaired the ISFFI jury, which honored 20 films – 14 Indian and six international – with distinction at the closing ceremony.

Rahul Iyer’s The Trials and Triumphs by GN Ramachandran was announced as the winner of the Best of Festival Award under the theme “Science for India in its own right and / or Science for global well-being”.

In the international category, the prize was awarded to The Insect Rescuers of Germany.

The Hindi film Raja, Rani aur Virus won the Best of Festival Award under the theme “Science and Awareness for COVID-19 and Other Health Emergencies”.

The Iranian film Night Nurse received the same award in the international category.

Four films – The Return of the Holy Grain, Worth the Salt, Humans V / s Corona and My Mom – were recognized by the jury.
In the international category, the jury’s prizes went to – A Natural Code, iRony and Keep Your Smile.

The International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI) took place from December 22nd to 25th.