BIS #7288 Short Films Screening by DBIMA at Nexus Mall
By Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai
On August 31, 2024, The Stellar Don Bosco Academy hosted a film screening and filmmaking session at the atrium of Nexus Seawoods Mall. The event was organized in collaboration with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), based in Paris. Students from various colleges came together in a spirit of creativity and learning.
The DBIMA team present at the event included some distinguished names from the film industry: Fr John Paul Swaminathan, the director of DBIMA, Mr Nathan Taieb, an experienced cinematographer and film producer, Ms Maeva Ramkalia, a skilled screenwriter and narrative designer, Fr Jose Enrique, a communication specialist and digital marketing expert, and Mr Felix, a Da Vinci editing expert. Each of these experts contributed to the day’s activities, sharing their insights and knowledge.
The event commenced with an introduction by Ms Kepha Pinheiro, who spoke passionately about The Stellar Academy. She described it as a place of belonging, offering a wide range of certified courses aimed at nurturing personal growth, promoting learning, and connecting individuals with shared interests. Emphasizing the academy’s commitment to real-world applications and celebrating individuality, Ms Pinheiro set the tone for the day.
Following the introduction, films created by students during the film workshop were screened. For many, this marked their first foray into directing and acting, but their creativity and commitment shone through. The topics varied, tackling deep issues such as solutions to depression and unrequited love. The films impressed the audience with their strong content and visually striking camerawork, showcasing the budding talent present at the workshop. The audience was then treated to short films produced by students from DBIMA, Paris. The professionalism and artistic vision of these films left a lasting impression on the attendees, further inspiring the young filmmakers in attendance.
Fr Swaminathan and his team introduced DBIMA and the courses they offer. Specializing in four areas—film direction, scriptwriting, post-production, sound, and cinematography the academy aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills. During a lively Q&A session, students asked a variety of questions about filmmaking and the courses offered at DBIMA, all of which were answered thoughtfully by the expert panel. Fr Swaminathan also shared the exciting news of a film course scheduled to take place in India in 2025.
The event culminated in a certificate distribution ceremony, with every participant of the workshop receiving recognition for their efforts. As the day came to a close, attendees left with a sense of accomplishment, newfound knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
