Saturday, August 1, 2009

Pune Rocks to Shamiana

Guess what! I cant believe that SHAMIANA completed a year in Pune too. It was just a few days back when we celebrated our first anniversary in Mumbai and now Pune. It seems like yesterday that we launched our Pune chapter. Time flies and how!
We celebrated our first anniversary in Pune with much elan and people turned out in numbers that we could never have imagined. And why not, after all Indians are lovers of good cinema as we all know. As we showcased seven of the finest short films here people laughed, cried and applauded. The madness at this festival was simply amazing. Films like Marry me, Little Terrorist, Silencer, Hotel Flirt, The Sharpener and the Kid, Free Hugs video and Epilogue of a Friendship just stole the audience's hearts.
We had some of the finest artistes and art lovers gracing the occassion with their presence. Some like actor Juhi Babbar flew in just to be a part of our anniversary. Cute na? Other hotshots included Sunaina Gera and ex HOD, FTII, Yogesh Mathur.
The journey was difficult but amazing. I am so glad that recognition for our hard work has started pouring in at last. Just a few days back we were written about in The New York Times and the Indian press is gaga all over us. We feel elated at the response but agree that the responsibility has grown manifold. After all, titles like Godfather of shorts in India are difficult to carry! But we realise that there is a long way ahead and we just crossed the first milestone. But with all the love from you people out there, I am sure that the journey is going to become beautiful each day and in the deepest corner of my heart I believe that the SHAMIANA family is going to become bigger each day. Thank you so much.

Love for all,
Cyrus