An award ceremony for winners of the 5th edition of the Inter-College Short Film Competition 2021, entitled Ki To Role: Zero Violence Dans Lakaz, was held, today, at MCiné in Trianon. The 6th edition of the Inter-College Short Film Competition 2022 and the 1st edition of Inter Primary School Film Competition 2022 were also launched on that occasion.
The award ceremony was organised by the Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC) which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, the Centre des Dames Mourides (CDM), the Africa Women’s Development Communication Network and the Toronto Film School. Artists received prizes in several categories, namely, best actor, best artists and technicians, special jury award by MFDC, special jury award by CDM, jury award, and public vote.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Director of the MFDC, Mr Sachin Jootun; the Executive Director of CDM, Mrs Allia Syed Hossen; and other personalities were present at the event.
In her address, Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun commended the youth who had been able, through a creative way, to put forward their understanding of the chosen theme for the 5th edition of the competition, which was contribution of young people to eradicate gender-based violence. She highlighted that at some point, arts and sports were side-lined at the expense of academic subjects, but that her Ministry was trying to remedy to this situation.
As such, she underlined, with this short film competition, students had the opportunity to express themselves and develop their talents. “What is visual,” she reminded, “has more educational value and is easier to remember, as the message is passed on in a more effective way.” She thus encouraged participants to further develop their talents as they were on the right path.
She recalled that there should be a holistic development of children and that her Ministry was ensuring that the youth had the opportunity to develop their talents. She also indicated that, nowadays, the multiple intelligence concept was well established and that each student had his own aptitudes and talents.
“Art,” she stated, “contributes to the promotion of youth’s talents and enable children to be more creative.” She added that one of the key elements of the educational reform at primary level was the development of communication skills, and that the Inter Primary School Film Competition 2022 would contribute to this endeavour.
For his part, MFDC’s Director stressed that Mauritian youths had immense talent and urged them to pursue their hard work. He seized the opportunity to encourage them to continue on this path so as to be able, in the future, to represent the country at international level.
As for the Chairperson of CDM, she commended students and their teachers for having devoted their time to the film competition. She pointed out that this competition had contributed to showcase the talent of Mauritian youth, while the short films depicted the importance of eradicating gender-based violence in society.
A total of 31 short films were registered for the competition, which was opened to students from Grades 7 to 13. The launching of the competition was in August 2021 and students had three months to submit their entries.
