APIIT Introduces KAGURA : A Tale Of Our Times
The world of film and theatre is a vibrant and unique one, often creating magic for the eyes. APIIT’s media club made the decision to dive into the wonders of film magic and so, Kagura was born. Kagura will be an annual student made film festival comprising different teams from different universities. It will be an opportunity for students to get exposure to the film-arts scene within the Sri Lankan university circuit. Every year, students will be given 3 months to write, film, act, and produce a film following a certain criterion. At the end of three months, those films will be showcased, and a panel of judges will select winners for certain categories.
The Kagura Film Festival will display a plethora of films from around Sri Lanka, offering audiences a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures, experiences, and realities through the eyes of Sri Lanka’s youth. The primary objective of Kagura is to provide a platform for aspiring Sri Lankan actors, writers, directors, producers, and so on, to proudly present their work and to express themselves. We hope to make Kagura an educational venture that will nurture and develop the future leaders of the Sri Lankan film industry to consistently thrive for growth, respect, and creativity.
Kagura aims to provide a chance for young talent to shine and highlight what they can do and what they are capable of in an age where nothing is restrictive, and potential is limitless.
The inaugural theme of the Kagura Film Festival focuses on something the youth of today know too well - Identity Crisis. Truely knowing oneself is incredibly difficult. Most people have issues in understanding their own personalities, experiences, and relationships. Having a crisis in identity is a natural process that people experience, however it is rarely talked about. Especially amongst our country’s youth. It is in our teenage or young adult years that we experiment and make attempts to carve out our space in society. This is an incredibly confusing and frustrating time in our lives. Resolving an identity crisis is a crucial journey towards self-discovery and personal growth and needs to occur.
We believe that this theme will resonate well amongst our target audience. Finding clarity in one’s identity not only fosters a stronger sense of self-esteem and purpose but also enhances interpersonal relationships. It empowers people to make authentic choices that align with their true selves, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
At the end of the festival, participants will receive certificates and prizes at the “Popcorn Awards” to be styled after the famous OSCARS night. This will include various other awards from Best Actor to Best Script to Best Costume Design, truly driving the spirit of hard work and perseverance. Kagura will be an experience to remember. It will enlighten, inspire, and encourage its participants and audience members. Kagura is the tale of our times.