Health centric movies can be a prime tool for spreading awareness – Parna Pethe
Pune, December 23, 2017: “Cinema is an effective medium. It is not only for entertainment but also teaches us the way of life. In our country we speak very less about health and thats the reason such Film Festivals are important. This initiative to showcase health centric movies can be a prime tool for spreading awareness regarding health,” expressed Parna Pethe while concluding City’s very own two-days ‘Aarogya-Health Film Festival’ on Saturday at National Film Archive of India (NFAI).
Punekars witnessed a wave of health awareness via this unique festival organised by P. M. Shah Foundation. Adv. Chetan Gandhi, Director of Foundation along with the famous artist couple Alok Rajwade and Parna Pethe who also were the chief guest of the festival, graced the event with their presence.
From 19 short films, it was ‘The Return Gift’ who bagged the first prize in this category. This winning movie directed by Dr. Swaroop Savanur was centered around ‘Organ Donation’ with an aim to reinforce the idea among masses while creating much needed awareness. While the film ‘93* Not Out’ directed by Arudra Sarvanakumar got the 2nd prize and the inaugrating movie of the festival ‘Ek Paul’ directed by Asim Tribhuvan stood 3rd.
‘A Few Days More’ won the first place among 11 Documentaries showcased in the festival. This docu drama highlights the various psychological and financial challenges a family faces after learning about life limiting disease like cancer. The 2nd prize in this category was won by ‘That’s my boy’ directed by Akhil Sathyan and the 3rd prize was won by ‘A Man Worth His Salt’ directed by Devansh Katoch.
Pethe further added, “Many suffer from depression and anxiety but most of us are unaware how to deal with it. Such films pose as strength and are motivating for masses. By watching we get to know that there are other people like us existing and suffering and we can make a way out of our suffering.”
“It is always overwhelming to being able to host such a health centric film festival. The good reponse from Punekars makes helps us come closer to our aim of creating health awareness,” said Gandhi while talking about the festival.
“Can art stir a revolution? Somebody may ask how art and health are related but ultimately everything is inter related. It because of art that a person can get vision to see and perceive the world differently,” exclaimed Alok Rajwade
In last six years, the festival has witnessed presence of great personalities from different walks of life. Which includes Magsaysay Award Winner Dr. Rajanikant Arole, Wilson Bejwada, Former director of National Rural Health Mission Mr. Vikas Kharge, Activist Vidya Bal, Hamid Dabholkar, Famous actor Girish Kulkarni, director Umesh Kulkarni & many others.
