By Br Christony Alsharon Martin Jude for BIS Mumbai

Nashik, Maharashtra: The Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy has secured a monumental victory at the annual short film competition organized by the prestigious St. Paul’s Institute, asserting its dominance in the creative arts. The institute’s film, “One Life, One Love,” created and produced entirely by the student brothers, achieved a magnificent dual triumph by winning both the highly coveted Best Short Film Award and the Best Actor Award.

 This outstanding achievement underscores the institute’s commitment to fostering well-rounded students capable of blending deep intellectual formation with compelling artistic expression. The film, which explores the struggle and the triumph of a seminarian when faced with a choice, stood out among numerous high-quality entries from competing institutions.

 Best Short Film: A Testament to Excellence. The primary victory, the Best Short Film Award, came with a significant cash prize of ₹50,000. The film’s director, Br Praveen, was praised for his focused vision and effective management of the production process. The judging panel specifically highlighted the film’s strong narrative arc, professional cinematography, and technical polish, noting that “One Life, One Love” demonstrated a maturity rarely seen at this level of competition. The award serves as powerful validation of the rigorous and collaborative effort invested by the entire production team. It reflects the successful translation of abstract philosophical concepts into a relatable and moving visual experience, utilizing the medium of cinema to engage audiences on a profound level.

 Br Alsharon’s Acclaimed Performance. Adding to the institute’s remarkable sweep, Br Alsharon was singled out for his exceptional talent, earning the Best Actor Award and an accompanying prize of ₹10,000. His central performance was described as deeply authentic and emotionally resonant, providing the necessary anchor for the film’s powerful themes. The recognition of Br Alsharon’s acting prowess affirms the institute’s success in nurturing individual creative gifts alongside communal projects.

 The St. Paul’s Institute competition is widely respected for setting a high standard for youth filmmaking. Winning both major categories - the institutional production award and the individual performance award - is a clear statement regarding the comprehensive quality of the arts programme at Divyadaan. This exceptional success highlights a new dimension of excellence for the Divyadaan: Salesian Institute of Philosophy. The brothers have demonstrated that their academic dedication and spiritual discipline are perfectly complemented by their creative capabilities, setting a new benchmark for their peers and inspiring future generations of students to explore media production as a powerful tool for communication and social commentary. A special word of appreciation to Fr. Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai for overall production work. The victory is a source of immense pride for the entire Divyadaan community.