Friday, January 18, 2008
Nizhal
a movement for modern films
Nizhal a mobile film movement: a film magazine; a publishing house
The year 1994 saw the centenary celebrations of world cinema. On this occasion few individuals asociated with films felt the need to take the good films to the villages of Tamilnadu. This necessitated the formation of a film movement Nizhal (shadow) - a mobile film movement for modern and good films.
Nizhal started screening world and Indian classical films in the villages of Tamilnadu. For the people where the opportunity of seeing good film is remote and had to content with the "masala" commercial stuff, the need arose to explain "what is a good film?" This necessitated conducting workshops on film appreciation. Centers were established at many places with people who have experience and skill to impart knowledge to others on good film.
In continuation of these activities a need arouse for magazine to discuss and debate about good films and also to carry the news of Nizhal activities which were spread across Tamilnadu. Thus in June, 2001 the first issue of the magazine Nizhal was brought out. In Nizhal magazine film history, criticism, Articles on film appreciation, introduction about of world and Indian cinema, articles on film technology, articles of previous era artistes and film makers and also about the details of films screened at various parts of Tamilnadu were published. Internationally acclaimed directors and films were introduced and debated. This induced people in many parts to come forward requesting screening of films in their area.
Nizhal magazine is five years old. Through Nizhal we collected all the short films made in Tamil and send them to various film festivals. In association with Paris Nanbarkal Vattam, Europe film festival - Switzerland, Chinttanai Vattam - New Jersey festivals were held and trophies and prize money were distributed to encourage short film making and short film directors. Eminent personalities associated with film like Tedore Bhaskaran, Amshan Kumar, Vannanilavan, Vittal Rao, Arun Mozhi, Thi. Su. Sadasivam, Swarnavel, Srivinasan, Pavannan, Sa. Devadoss, Pa. Thirunavukarasu, Issakiappan, Ka. Panjangam, Aranthai manian, Ravi Elangovan, Venkat swaminathan, Yammuna Rajendran and host of others wrote articles and initiated debates on commercial "masala" films as these are clearly visible. The small literary magazines in Tamil have started giving more prominent space for feature films and short films.
In continuation of the above activities a publishing house under the name Nizhal was started and more than 10 books on films were published.
All the above activities have been done with the generous contribution of like minded people and friends. Of late we find it extremely difficult to sustain the above activities because of economic constraints. We do not get support from any institution or establishments, in spite of our repeated request and explaining to them the importance of this movement.
Hence we request you to contribure in good spirit, generously and support this movement - Nizhal the magazine for modern cinema, Alternate cinema and short films. Nizhal has no other option but to come to you for support and Nizhal assures you that it will continue to work towards meaningful and modern films in good faith and hopes.
Contact Us
Nizhal31/48, Rani Anna NagarKK Nagar,Chennai - 600 078.Ph : +91 9444484868 email: nizhal_2001@yahoo.co.in
Top
a movement for modern films
Nizhal a mobile film movement: a film magazine; a publishing house
The year 1994 saw the centenary celebrations of world cinema. On this occasion few individuals asociated with films felt the need to take the good films to the villages of Tamilnadu. This necessitated the formation of a film movement Nizhal (shadow) - a mobile film movement for modern and good films.
Nizhal started screening world and Indian classical films in the villages of Tamilnadu. For the people where the opportunity of seeing good film is remote and had to content with the "masala" commercial stuff, the need arose to explain "what is a good film?" This necessitated conducting workshops on film appreciation. Centers were established at many places with people who have experience and skill to impart knowledge to others on good film.
In continuation of these activities a need arouse for magazine to discuss and debate about good films and also to carry the news of Nizhal activities which were spread across Tamilnadu. Thus in June, 2001 the first issue of the magazine Nizhal was brought out. In Nizhal magazine film history, criticism, Articles on film appreciation, introduction about of world and Indian cinema, articles on film technology, articles of previous era artistes and film makers and also about the details of films screened at various parts of Tamilnadu were published. Internationally acclaimed directors and films were introduced and debated. This induced people in many parts to come forward requesting screening of films in their area.
Nizhal magazine is five years old. Through Nizhal we collected all the short films made in Tamil and send them to various film festivals. In association with Paris Nanbarkal Vattam, Europe film festival - Switzerland, Chinttanai Vattam - New Jersey festivals were held and trophies and prize money were distributed to encourage short film making and short film directors. Eminent personalities associated with film like Tedore Bhaskaran, Amshan Kumar, Vannanilavan, Vittal Rao, Arun Mozhi, Thi. Su. Sadasivam, Swarnavel, Srivinasan, Pavannan, Sa. Devadoss, Pa. Thirunavukarasu, Issakiappan, Ka. Panjangam, Aranthai manian, Ravi Elangovan, Venkat swaminathan, Yammuna Rajendran and host of others wrote articles and initiated debates on commercial "masala" films as these are clearly visible. The small literary magazines in Tamil have started giving more prominent space for feature films and short films.
In continuation of the above activities a publishing house under the name Nizhal was started and more than 10 books on films were published.
All the above activities have been done with the generous contribution of like minded people and friends. Of late we find it extremely difficult to sustain the above activities because of economic constraints. We do not get support from any institution or establishments, in spite of our repeated request and explaining to them the importance of this movement.
Hence we request you to contribure in good spirit, generously and support this movement - Nizhal the magazine for modern cinema, Alternate cinema and short films. Nizhal has no other option but to come to you for support and Nizhal assures you that it will continue to work towards meaningful and modern films in good faith and hopes.
Contact Us
Nizhal31/48, Rani Anna NagarKK Nagar,Chennai - 600 078.Ph : +91 9444484868 email: nizhal_2001@yahoo.co.in
Top
Short and sweet presentation
DOCUMENTARIES are much in vogue with young aspiring filmmakers
Photo: M. Moorthy Enthusiastic Learning the art of filmmaking
If you have a story to tell, keep it short. Only then perhaps you would do it better than you imagined.
This was the message drilled into aspiring film-makers from the city, where recently a series of short films were screened and workshops conducted. Earlier considered to be a part of the serious genre, short films and documentaries now top the hobby list of youngsters.
Thanks to technological minimalism. It has made the job much easy and attractive for amateurs to try their hand.
But how serious are the would-be moviemakers about short-films? Committed
Quite committed, if one were to go by P. Thirunavukarasu, Editor of ‘Nizhal,’ a bi-monthly film magazine, and a core member of ’Nizhal’ Film Society, Chennai.
“Many have come to realise that this is the most effective medium,” he asserts.
During his workshop conducted in coordination with ABV College of Catering and Film Technology, he insisted on experimental efforts and strong script for the short films.
Amid the 100-odd youngsters at Nizhal’s workshop, there was a 60-year-old enthusiast, Mohan, who took to short film training on all five days.
“My son works as an assistant director. Getting into film industry was my long-cherished desire. I’m glad that I get to handle the camera at least,” says Mohan, gently patting the handy-cam gifted by his son. Brisk business
Contrary to the popular conception that short films are commercial failures, Mr. Thirunavukarasu unfolds the long list of films that are doing a brisk business in the form of CDs and DVDs. “South Indians, especially, have come up with interesting themes such as thrillers, comedy and love. Though the sale is confined to a small circle, profit rate is pretty high,” he reveals.
“Filmmaking was unnerving till a few years ago owing to the cost factor. Even a 90-minute film demanded established actors and technicians that shot up the cost,” recalls K. Ramachandra Babu, cinematographer and the pioneer of Cineku, cinema’s very own version of haiku. With handy-cams and free editing softwares available now, the cost of making an hour-long shoot doesn’t exceed Rs.100.
Short films are no more synonymous with serious narratives on flood, hunger or poverty. When BONSAI, a Chennai-based short-film society, hosted a workshop for visual communication students here, many groups came up with hilarious presentations on ‘roadside tricks’ and ‘advertisement gimmicks.’
“Short films can make any plot interesting with its brevity. We zero in on visual communication students because they are comfortable with the technology and have a flair for filmmaking. All we do is to teach them the nuances,” says S. A. Subramaniam, workshop coordinator.
Film Director Balaji Sakthivel predicts that short films will soon rule the film industry. “The conception of short films as a medium to broadcast serious stuff should change. Filmmakers can come up with full-time entertainers in this genre,” he suggests. Challenging though it may be, a 30-minute entertainer will have a greater impact than three-hour-long movie, he feels.
Documentaries have lured many wannabe filmmakers who dreamt of getting into tinsel town but got bogged down by the cost factor. “That’s one reason why there is a spurt in the number of students getting into visual communication. Many of them realise their dreams through short films. These can be a creditable portfolio to show off one’s skills.” Popularity
To play its part in spreading the popularity of short films, the city-based Nimai Gosh Film Society has planned to organise workshops and screening of classics in that genre. "While the curiosity about making a short film is high among youngsters, many falter while executing their ideas. Creativity, though innate, could just need some fine-tuning," says the secretary of the Society Ponnidasan. The Society will soon announce short-film contests for Tiruchiites.
DOCUMENTARIES are much in vogue with young aspiring filmmakers
Photo: M. Moorthy Enthusiastic Learning the art of filmmaking
If you have a story to tell, keep it short. Only then perhaps you would do it better than you imagined.
This was the message drilled into aspiring film-makers from the city, where recently a series of short films were screened and workshops conducted. Earlier considered to be a part of the serious genre, short films and documentaries now top the hobby list of youngsters.
Thanks to technological minimalism. It has made the job much easy and attractive for amateurs to try their hand.
But how serious are the would-be moviemakers about short-films? Committed
Quite committed, if one were to go by P. Thirunavukarasu, Editor of ‘Nizhal,’ a bi-monthly film magazine, and a core member of ’Nizhal’ Film Society, Chennai.
“Many have come to realise that this is the most effective medium,” he asserts.
During his workshop conducted in coordination with ABV College of Catering and Film Technology, he insisted on experimental efforts and strong script for the short films.
Amid the 100-odd youngsters at Nizhal’s workshop, there was a 60-year-old enthusiast, Mohan, who took to short film training on all five days.
“My son works as an assistant director. Getting into film industry was my long-cherished desire. I’m glad that I get to handle the camera at least,” says Mohan, gently patting the handy-cam gifted by his son. Brisk business
Contrary to the popular conception that short films are commercial failures, Mr. Thirunavukarasu unfolds the long list of films that are doing a brisk business in the form of CDs and DVDs. “South Indians, especially, have come up with interesting themes such as thrillers, comedy and love. Though the sale is confined to a small circle, profit rate is pretty high,” he reveals.
“Filmmaking was unnerving till a few years ago owing to the cost factor. Even a 90-minute film demanded established actors and technicians that shot up the cost,” recalls K. Ramachandra Babu, cinematographer and the pioneer of Cineku, cinema’s very own version of haiku. With handy-cams and free editing softwares available now, the cost of making an hour-long shoot doesn’t exceed Rs.100.
Short films are no more synonymous with serious narratives on flood, hunger or poverty. When BONSAI, a Chennai-based short-film society, hosted a workshop for visual communication students here, many groups came up with hilarious presentations on ‘roadside tricks’ and ‘advertisement gimmicks.’
“Short films can make any plot interesting with its brevity. We zero in on visual communication students because they are comfortable with the technology and have a flair for filmmaking. All we do is to teach them the nuances,” says S. A. Subramaniam, workshop coordinator.
Film Director Balaji Sakthivel predicts that short films will soon rule the film industry. “The conception of short films as a medium to broadcast serious stuff should change. Filmmakers can come up with full-time entertainers in this genre,” he suggests. Challenging though it may be, a 30-minute entertainer will have a greater impact than three-hour-long movie, he feels.
Documentaries have lured many wannabe filmmakers who dreamt of getting into tinsel town but got bogged down by the cost factor. “That’s one reason why there is a spurt in the number of students getting into visual communication. Many of them realise their dreams through short films. These can be a creditable portfolio to show off one’s skills.” Popularity
To play its part in spreading the popularity of short films, the city-based Nimai Gosh Film Society has planned to organise workshops and screening of classics in that genre. "While the curiosity about making a short film is high among youngsters, many falter while executing their ideas. Creativity, though innate, could just need some fine-tuning," says the secretary of the Society Ponnidasan. The Society will soon announce short-film contests for Tiruchiites.
Creating impressions
Padhivugal 2006 discussed the form and impact of short films and documentaries, writes K. Jeshi
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN SHORT FILMS A powerful medium
"Conveying a message in a short time is the grammar of short-film making.Maximum duration is only 29 minutes but the impact it creates stays on," says P. Thirunavukarasu of Nizhal Film Society, Chennai. Short films can be used as a propaganda tool to create awareness on a variety of subjects in the field of science, education and health among others, he adds.
From interpretation of the Quran to providing social security to HIV positive people to the courageous modern day woman, amateur filmmakers hogged the limelight with their creations at Padhivugal `06, the second annual documentary and short film festival of PSG College of Arts and Science.
"Technology has made filmmaking easier and to get started as a short filmmaker, all you need is a handy cam. In any film, primarily there are only three types of shots — long, close-up and median. And you should know to adjust zoom in and zoom out to capture the image the way you want to," Thirunavukarasu adds.
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN
Visual communication student Nithya Mahesh presented On the run, a short-film on a current day teenager who takes the extreme step of taking the life of a person who tries to misbehave. Another student D.K. Sivakumar chose to present Nijam that dealt with jananam and maranam (birth and death) through the life of a HIV positive student.
Films of the Nizhal society were simultaneously screened to help students improvise on their work and also to understand where they have gone wrong. Indru, a short-film was all about filming poetry in visuals. "The maker has caught the metaphor of poetry in visuals using colour gradations and library shots (readymade shots)," Thirunavukarasu explains. On a tie-up with Tamil sangams in New Jersey, Melbourne and Paris, the Nizhal Society screens short films and documentaries to a wider audience. The society also has a tie-up with film societies in Tamil Nadu.
The message of a film on `smoking is injurious to health' was that preachers don't practice. Pencil caught the lack of responsibility among individuals through a classroom sequence. Late explained unemployment and suicide in a single shot. "In the movie Russian Ark, there is a single shot of the Moscow palace for 86 minutes. Such shots are common in Alfred Hitchcock's movies too. In Late, the shot starts and the camera starts rolling beginning with photographs of the student winning awards and accolades, an envelope from an employment office falling through the closed door and the girl hanging herself," he adds. Andhi (twilight) on AIDS by J. Ramesh explained, only through visuals the helplessness of an AIDS victim when it is too late. "Film-making is an ocean and with every project you learn something new. In short films, screenplay and scripting is important. Use dialogues only when necessary," he told the students. J.Ramesh has to his credit more than 50 telefilms and has also worked in K.Balachander's Chinna Thirai.
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN
Student S.Ayswarya's film, a graphical representation of the clash between words and images was well appreciated. " It's an innovative way of presenting a concept," says joint secretary of South Indian Film Writer's Association, T. Shanmugasundaram.
What followed was a discussion between the experts and students on a variety of film related subjects beginning with theme, technical aspects, emotions, editing and dubbing. Students also got practical tips like using a neck mike to avoid echo and how facial emotions could be avoided for certain sequences.
There has to be thaedal (search) in every script. Discuss with friends and re-work the script till you are satisfied, the students were told.
As the special guest Mysskin, director of Chithiram Pesuthadi put it: "The first step to film-making is reading. Knowledge on film literature is vital to get started," he added. Battleship Potemkin, a book that discusses odesso steps (240 shots in 12 minutes) was released in the course of the programme.
Padhivugal 2006 discussed the form and impact of short films and documentaries, writes K. Jeshi
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN SHORT FILMS A powerful medium
"Conveying a message in a short time is the grammar of short-film making.Maximum duration is only 29 minutes but the impact it creates stays on," says P. Thirunavukarasu of Nizhal Film Society, Chennai. Short films can be used as a propaganda tool to create awareness on a variety of subjects in the field of science, education and health among others, he adds.
From interpretation of the Quran to providing social security to HIV positive people to the courageous modern day woman, amateur filmmakers hogged the limelight with their creations at Padhivugal `06, the second annual documentary and short film festival of PSG College of Arts and Science.
"Technology has made filmmaking easier and to get started as a short filmmaker, all you need is a handy cam. In any film, primarily there are only three types of shots — long, close-up and median. And you should know to adjust zoom in and zoom out to capture the image the way you want to," Thirunavukarasu adds.
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN
Visual communication student Nithya Mahesh presented On the run, a short-film on a current day teenager who takes the extreme step of taking the life of a person who tries to misbehave. Another student D.K. Sivakumar chose to present Nijam that dealt with jananam and maranam (birth and death) through the life of a HIV positive student.
Films of the Nizhal society were simultaneously screened to help students improvise on their work and also to understand where they have gone wrong. Indru, a short-film was all about filming poetry in visuals. "The maker has caught the metaphor of poetry in visuals using colour gradations and library shots (readymade shots)," Thirunavukarasu explains. On a tie-up with Tamil sangams in New Jersey, Melbourne and Paris, the Nizhal Society screens short films and documentaries to a wider audience. The society also has a tie-up with film societies in Tamil Nadu.
The message of a film on `smoking is injurious to health' was that preachers don't practice. Pencil caught the lack of responsibility among individuals through a classroom sequence. Late explained unemployment and suicide in a single shot. "In the movie Russian Ark, there is a single shot of the Moscow palace for 86 minutes. Such shots are common in Alfred Hitchcock's movies too. In Late, the shot starts and the camera starts rolling beginning with photographs of the student winning awards and accolades, an envelope from an employment office falling through the closed door and the girl hanging herself," he adds. Andhi (twilight) on AIDS by J. Ramesh explained, only through visuals the helplessness of an AIDS victim when it is too late. "Film-making is an ocean and with every project you learn something new. In short films, screenplay and scripting is important. Use dialogues only when necessary," he told the students. J.Ramesh has to his credit more than 50 telefilms and has also worked in K.Balachander's Chinna Thirai.
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN
Student S.Ayswarya's film, a graphical representation of the clash between words and images was well appreciated. " It's an innovative way of presenting a concept," says joint secretary of South Indian Film Writer's Association, T. Shanmugasundaram.
What followed was a discussion between the experts and students on a variety of film related subjects beginning with theme, technical aspects, emotions, editing and dubbing. Students also got practical tips like using a neck mike to avoid echo and how facial emotions could be avoided for certain sequences.
There has to be thaedal (search) in every script. Discuss with friends and re-work the script till you are satisfied, the students were told.
As the special guest Mysskin, director of Chithiram Pesuthadi put it: "The first step to film-making is reading. Knowledge on film literature is vital to get started," he added. Battleship Potemkin, a book that discusses odesso steps (240 shots in 12 minutes) was released in the course of the programme.
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