Cannes Film Festival: Chidanand Naik, a talented student of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has achieved a significant milestone as his film “SUNFLOWERS WERE FIRST ONES TO KNOW” secures a spot in the prestigious ‘La Cinef’ Competitive section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 15th to 24th, 2024.
The film, directed by Naik, unfolds the compelling narrative of an elderly woman who steals the village’s rooster, triggering chaos within the community. To retrieve the rooster, a prophecy is invoked, leading to the exile of the old lady’s family.
Amidst stiff competition, Naik’s film emerged as the sole Indian entry in the ‘La Cinef’ section of Cannes, earning accolades for its unique storytelling and cinematic brilliance. Selected from a pool of 2,263 films submitted by film schools worldwide, “SUNFLOWERS WERE FIRST ONES TO KNOW” stands out among the 18 shorts (14 live-action and 4 animated films) selected for the festival.
The Cannes Film Festival’s ‘La Cinef’ section is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents and acknowledging films from renowned film schools across the globe. The jury will present the La Cinef prizes at a ceremony preceding the screening of the awarded films on May 23rd at the Buñuel Theatre.
This momentous achievement marks the first time that a film by a student from FTII’s one-year Television course has been selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering creative excellence and innovation in the realm of cinema.
FTII’s emphasis on practical learning and collaborative filmmaking approaches has consistently produced remarkable talents, with its students and alumni garnering acclaim at various national and international film festivals. “SUNFLOWERS WERE FIRST ONES TO KNOW” exemplifies the institute’s dedication to nurturing promising filmmakers and storytellers, showcasing the rich tapestry of cinematic talent emerging from FTII.
