Federation of Film Societies India (FFSI) Keralam has launched an online video streaming platform for showcasing short films and documentaries, called FFSI Online Short and Documentary Theatre. The platform was inaugurated on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi on October 2.
In conversation with Silverscreen India, FFSI Keralam’s executive committee member and coordinator Cheriyan Joseph said the platform welcomes short films and documentaries from India and across the world. “The first content was released on Gandhi Jayanthi and following that, every week on Monday and Friday, we will be screening new short films and documentaries. The content will range from classics and contemporary work to award-winning films.”
A documentary titled Remembering Mahatma, written by UA Rajendran and conceived by Joshy Vignette, both part of the Thodupuzha Film Society, was the first to play on the streaming platform.
“Feature films have a dedicated platform in movie theatres. Meanwhile, though there are many talented creators who make good short films and documentaries as well, such content sees the light only at film festivals. Therefore, we wanted to create a dedicated space for screening short films and documentaries,” said Cheriyan, adding that videos on the new platform can be watched free of cost.
Noting that October 9 is commemorated as World Postal Day, Cheriyan said they will thus be streaming three shorts based on the subject this week.
FFSI is the apex body coordinating the activities of Film Societies in India. The society was founded by veteran filmmaker Satyajit Ray and has five regional councils – Western Region, Northern Region, Eastern Region, Southern Region, and Kerala Sub Region. FFSI’s Kerala unit was established on July 21, 1965.
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FSSI is also known for its national-level festival called SIGNS. The 13th edition of the festival was held online last year. Cheriyan stated that, unlike SIGNS, the FFSI Online Short and Documentary Theatre is not a competition but only a screening platform.
“Creators who are interested in screening their content on the platform can reach out to us at ffsikeralam@gmail.com. We have a selection committee that curates the screening list,” he added.