Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival

The Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers

Introduction to the Festival

The Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival, organized by Prayasam Visual Basics (PVB), is a unique celebration of cinema that transcends traditional boundaries. This festival reflects the transformative power of storytelling, using cinema as a mirror to society to depict the lives, struggles, and aspirations of diverse communities. Designed as a youth film festival, it offers a platform where budding filmmakers can submit their work free of cost, fostering a space for self-expression, exploration, and social change.

Through its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, the festival eliminates barriers that often hinder talented young filmmakers from marginalized communities. By providing a platform to showcase their films, share their unique perspectives, and connect with a wider audience, the Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival has become a beacon for emerging talents. Beyond creativity, the festival also seeks to ignite meaningful conversations and inspire societal change through the transformative medium of cinema.

About the Festival’s Mission

Rooted in the belief that cinema can motivate, ignite, inspire, and orient young minds, the festival highlights films that educate, create awareness, and foster understanding. It aims to:

  • Motivate youth to explore their creativity and harness the power of storytelling.
  • Ignite discussions on pressing social issues like gender equality, climate change, and mental health.
  • Inspire positive change through visual narratives that resonate on a human level.
  • Orient young filmmakers towards impactful storytelling that challenges societal norms and provokes thought.
  • Raise awareness about the transformative power of digital media as a tool for advocacy.
  • Foster understanding by showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, thereby bridging cultural and social divides.

Why Kolkata?

Kolkata, often referred to as the cultural capital of India, provides the perfect backdrop for this vibrant festival. Its rich artistic heritage, rooted in the works of iconic filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, lends a historical gravitas to the event. The city's diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling streets of Salt Lake City to the modern infrastructure of Rajarhat New Town, echo the themes of tradition and progress that the festival embodies.

The city’s thriving intellectual and artistic community offers fertile ground for young filmmakers to draw inspiration. The festival not only celebrates Kolkata’s legacy in cinema but also contributes to its ongoing narrative as a hub for innovative storytelling.

About Prayasam Visual Basics (PVB)

Prayasam Visual Basics (PVB), a pioneering initiative under the umbrella of Prayasam, empowers youth to become independent storytellers through digital media. Established as a production hub, PVB nurtures talent by providing training in filmmaking, scriptwriting, and editing. The organization leverages local community resources to create impactful content that drives social change.

Over the years, PVB has collaborated with renowned partners like Adobe, producing over 100 filmmakers from underprivileged backgrounds. Its impressive portfolio includes:

  • 72 short films
  • 30 audio stories
  • 14 music videos
  • 3 documentaries
  • 20 public service announcements

These works address themes like gender diversity, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. PVB has also created promotional films for esteemed organizations, including Johns Hopkins University and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

About Prayasam

Established in 1996, Prayasam is a civil society organization dedicated to empowering children and youth in both mainstream and marginalized communities. Its initiatives span education, health, and social development, guided by a philosophy of peer-to-peer learning encapsulated in its "each one teach one" approach.

Prayasam’s unique model engages trained peer leaders who educate their communities on critical issues such as preventive health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. This grassroots approach ensures that knowledge is disseminated effectively and sustainably. The establishment of PVB reflects Prayasam’s commitment to using storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy and transformation.

Festival Committee

  • Saptarshi Ray – Festival Director
  • Prasanta Roy – Festival Director
  • Manish Chowdhury – Festival Manager
  • Aman Kumar Mukhiya – Festival Logistic Head
  • Manju Roy – Festival Logistic Assistant

Rules and Regulations for the Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival

  1. Submission Guidelines:
    • Films must be submitted digitally via email to pvb@prayasam.org using file transfer platforms like WeTransfer or Smash.
    • Submissions must comply with the technical requirements outlined by PVB.
  2. Support Queries:
  3. Voting Committees:
    • Official Judging Panel: Determines Season Award Nominations.
    • General Public: Selects audience favorites through votes.
  4. Screening and Eligibility:
    • No restrictions on premiere status, film age, or online availability.
    • Films of all genres and themes are welcome.
    • Non-Hindi/Bengali/English films must include English subtitles.
    • Runtime: 70–150 minutes.
  5. Integrity of Voting:
    • The festival’s online voting platform is free from monetary influence.
    • Filmmakers can invite their networks to vote, ensuring votes are merit-based.
  6. Audience Participation:
    • Attendees are encouraged to explore and vote for content based on its artistic and narrative merit.

Prizes and Recognition

The festival honors outstanding films with awards in the following categories:

  1. Best Film
  2. Best Editing
  3. Best Cinematography
  4. Best Story
  5. Best Direction

Winners receive a memento and certificate, while nominated filmmakers receive certificates of participation, acknowledging their contributions to the festival.

Highlights of the Festival

  1. Workshops and Masterclasses: Industry experts share insights on filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and cinematography.
  2. Panel Discussions: Thought leaders discuss cinema’s role in inspiring social change and fostering cultural empathy.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Filmmakers connect with peers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, opening doors for future collaborations.
  4. Interactive Sessions: Q&A segments allow filmmakers to engage directly with audiences, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas.

How to Submit Your Film

To submit your film:

  1. Visit the festival’s website or email pvb@prayasam.org.
  2. Follow the submission guidelines, ensuring your film meets the technical and thematic criteria.
  3. Use file transfer platforms to send your film without incurring any fees.
  4. Await confirmation and participate in this vibrant celebration of cinema.

Join the Celebration

The Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival is a call to all filmmakers and cinephiles to come together in celebrating the beauty of storytelling. Whether you’re a filmmaker eager to showcase your film free of cost or a film lover ready to experience compelling narratives, this festival is for you. Together, let’s motivate, ignite, inspire, and orient the next generation of storytellers.

With its mission of fostering creativity, inclusivity, and social impact, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema as a medium for change.

Important Dates

  • Submission Starts: 7th January 2025
  • Submission Ends: 14th November 2025
  • Screening: 15th–20th December 2025
  • Award Ceremony: 31st December 2025