Rishikesh, situated on the banks of river Ganges. It is a town best known for pilgrimage and regarded as one of the holiest places to followers of Hindu religion. Whether it be meditation or search for higher knowledge, every year millions, foreigners and Indians alike, flock this religious place. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’.
The land of Ashrams, temples and Maa Ganga, Rishikesh hosts a cultural and creative celebration, The Rishikesh International Film Festival which commences on 12th of March and offers a week’s stretch until 18th March 2018.It involves both the local communities and International guests, Spirituality being a theme this year.
The festival will provide a platform to budding Filmmakers, Videographers, Photographers, Painters, Sculptors, Authors, Poets, Musicians, Dancers and Performers to exhibit, display their respective art forms. The various events will display the work of local and international artists and offer awards for children, youth and adult contests. It shows special interest in Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras etc.with Special Focus on Sadhana, Seva, and Satsang; Consciousness and Creativity; and Contribution to Community and also with Exhibitions of Spiritual Leaders’ Artwork.
The entire festival is the brainchild of the renowned photographer and traveler, Deja Cross who is also the Director of this festival. Her objective is to bring together spiritual leaders, special films, and experiences about spiritual life, and artists with a spiritual message. The festival will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for Transcendental Meditation in Rishikesh.
The festival would be organized around three venues: Shatrughan Temple Ghat, Triveni Ghat and Ganga Resort, GMVNL. The inauguration ceremony will be held on March 12 at Shatrughan Ghat. Notable events include the hosting of Baba Bhandara on March 15 from 11 AM to 3 PM at Shatrughan Mandir by Mukesh Giri Maharaj Ji, Tejasvi Giri, and Deja Cross. The tour of Maharishi’s Ashram & Exhibition of the History of The Beatles Visit to Rishikesh will be conducted on March 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Finally, the Closing and Awards Ceremony will be held at Shatrughan Ghat on March 18 from 2 PM, which will include many cultural art programs, local, traditional and international music and dance performances, with 1000 coloring pages by local school children Art Exhibition followed by Ganga Aarti at 6 PM.
Awards and Prizes:
FILM CATEGORIES
1.Best Feature
2.Best Documentary
3.Best Short
4.Best Animation
5.Best Video
6.Best Social Impact
7.Best of Fest
There is complete understanding and acceptance by the Filmmakers about their film if they get accepted for presentation and screening at Rishikesh International Film Festival, they grant full unrestricted permission for Rishikesh International Film Festival to screen at festival committee’s choice and to charge an admission fee for the presentation of the film. The funds are fully retained by the festival to help cover the overall cost of the festival presentation. The Film Festival is being supported by Government of Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, and GMNV.