Actor Maniesh Paul’s brother Vevek Paul recently founded The Great Indian Film Festival (TGIFF), which took place last Friday in Delhi. Maniesh, YouTube sensation Sumeir Pasricha and actor-producer Sohaila Kapur of Aarya fame attended the opening ceremony of the festival.
Apart from these celebs, several other dignitaries also graced the opening ceremony of TGIFF, including Anthony Miranda, Cultural and Educational Affairs Counsellor, U.S. Mission to India, US Consulate; Sandeep Marwah, Founder of AAFT University; and HE Hayet Talbi, Ambassador to India from Tunisia.
The focus of the festival was on short films as a medium of expression and on film festivals and their importance for cultural exchange and learning. Maniesh’s short film, Hichki (Hiccups), was also screened at the festival.
On his brother’s new step, an overwhelmed Maniesh says, “Attending TGIFF was a very emotional and proud moment for me, as the festival was founded by my brother. I had a great time flying especially for the festival to Delhi and was happy that through this festival the movies came back to theatres. What is the most heartening thing about the festival is that whether the film is a three-minute project or a 60-minute-long one; whether it’s made by a student or by a renowned filmmaker, the same treatment is given to every project and filmmaker and their films are given a screening at a venue like PVR for absolutely free. I wish the festival all the best, as it travels all the way to Dubai next year.”
Talking about the ceremony and the festival, Vevek adds, “The festival has started with good wishes. With the presence of film lovers, filmmakers and my esteemed panel of guests, I feel elated when I see short film makers coming to the festival with their families and they show their films on the big screen. I was happy that the festival was opened in the presence of so many dignitaries. I feel on top of the world.”
Image source: Focus PR