RAIPUR: CMS VATAVARAN, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, and in partnership with the Amity School of Communication, Amity University Chhattisgarh is driving environmental change by bringing the 'Green Frames: VATAVARAN Short Film Competition and Festival 2023' to the heart of Chhattisgarh. As part of this ground-breaking initiative, a Social Impact Filmmaking Workshop was inaugurated on Wednesday. The workshop will conclude on October 12.

The workshop follows the success of the earlier event in Goa, drawing over 50 enthusiastic participants. The Raipur workshop has garnered tremendous interest, with more than 90 participants registered, hailing from various corners of Chhattisgarh, including the districts of Dantewada and Bastar. 

The event's inauguration, was graced by Mike Hankey, U.S. Consul General, Mumbai, Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur, Rob Anderson, Cultural Attaché, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, Almitra Kika, Public Diplomacy Specialist, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai and Sabyesachi Bharti, Deputy Director of CMS VATAVARAN. 

The workshop will be conducted by Ritesh Taksande, recognized as one of the foremost Mojo Educators in the country and currently serves as the Course Director for Film Orientation Courses and Mobile Journalism Courses at SKIFT Initiative by the Film and Television Institute of India. 

Mike Hankey, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "As champions of artistic expression and environmental awareness, we are pleased to support this unique workshop that empowers young minds to blend creativity with crucial environmental messages. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening connections between the people of the United States and India while addressing pressing global issues." 

"We are excited to bring the 'Green Frames: VATAVARAN Social Impact Filmmaking Workshop' to Raipur, where participants from various walks of life will come together to learn, collaborate, and create impactful narratives for environmental change. We are thankful to the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, and Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur for their unwavering support in making this initiative a reality. Together, we will inspire positive environmental action through the art of filmmaking," said Dr Vasanti Rao, Director General, Centre For Media Studies, New Delhi.  

"We are delighted to be part of this transformative initiative. The Social Impact Filmmaking Workshop aligns perfectly with Amity University Chhattisgarh's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and environmental consciousness among our students and the broader community. Through storytelling, we aim to inspire positive change and promote a sustainable future." said Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur.  

The Raipur workshop is part of a series of workshops planned across India as a prelude to the grand Green Frames: VATAVARAN Short Film Festival scheduled for February 2024. The festival will showcase the winning films from the competition, further advancing the cause of environmental preservation and climate advocacy.