Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The window of opportunity is being opened for amateur film-makers seeking to define new frontiers in the art of communication thanks to a short film festival.
Cinergy 2008 has been described as an innovative creative challenge and its organisers, WMC Toastmasters, have been overwhelmed by the response the project has generated.
The festival's theme is to explore new avenues of thought, find new mediums of expression, discover new paths, reject the mediocre and question the ordinary in a new-age attitude of empowerment: 'Why Not! The possibilities are endless'.
Event co-ordinator Dr Babu Ramachandran said: "Cinergy 2008 is a humble effort to capture the synergy that exists between people of different origins, nurturing their hopes and aspirations and sharing a common universal dream.
"Cinergy thus is a tribute to Bahrain, its people, its culture and its unique hospitality. We are expecting a multi-cultural/multi-linguistic audience."
WMC Toastmasters came up with the festival idea believing that film is a medium which fascinates and challenges the creative mind.
Cinergy 2008 was launched in November with a film-making workshop conducted by renowned Indian filmmaker, Shyamaprasad. Thirty-two people took part in the event and 23 entries have now been submitted for the festival.
An eminent jury led by chairman, Bassam Thawadi, is now studying the entries which feature a range of themes including social and family issues, comedy and drama.
He will announce the prize winners at a gala award ceremony to be held on January 16 at 8pm at the Gulf Air Club, Salmabad.
Short-listed and highly-commended films will be screened on the same day from 4 pm onwards.
Accolades will be given in various categories taking in technical, creative and other aspects of filmmaking. WMC Toastmasters was formed in June 2003 and is today acknowledged as one of the most innovative clubs in Bahrain. The core value of Toastmasters International movement - an association of more than 35,000 clubs worldwide - is to make individuals better communicators and leaders. For more details of the event, contact president of the club Regy Xavier on 39928151or Dr Babu Ramachandran on 39430708.
