2 Images
Valley of Words festival at Hotel Madhuban
On 26 October, we attended the Valley of Words festival at Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun. The session we attended focused on Garhwali Cinema and its connection to regional culture. The panel included Satish Sharma, senior journalist from Garhwal Post; Siddharth Sharma, a young director; Balraj Negi, actor and director; and Rashmi Nautiyal, an actress who began her journey as a housewife and pursued her dream in cinema. The discussion highlighted the importance of creating content that resonates with audiences. The panel emphasized authentic storytelling, encouraging filmmakers to focus on stories from the hearts of the Garhwali community, reflecting their struggles, traditions, and heritage. They stressed understanding the culture before making films and prioritizing the art of storytelling over cutting corners to save on budget. Another key point was responsibly leveraging government schemes designed to support regional filmmaking. Rashmi Nautiyal’s journey from housewife to actress inspired us with the power of determination and perseverance. After this, we attended a session on women empowerment, which highlighted the importance of supporting women in education, arts, and entrepreneurship. The speakers emphasized breaking societal barriers, promoting gender equality, and encouraging young women to pursue their ambitions, with mentorship and community support playing a key role. The Festival also featured stalls showcasing books, crafts, and local products. From fiction and non-fiction books to handmade jewellery, eco-friendly cloth bags, and homemade sweets, there was something to explore at every corner. The stalls highlighted local craftsmanship and creativity, allowing us to connect with Uttarakhand’s culture and the spirit of the festival. We left the festival inspired, curious, and a little more ready to chase our own dreams, carrying stories, ideas, and the spirit of creativity with us long after we left the hall.
More Galleries
