Sudipto Sen faces protest at Him Filmotsav-2024
At the Him Filmotsav-2024 in Dharamsala, noted film director Sudipto Sen faced a protest from a group of Keralite youth claiming to be students of Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP). The incident occurred after Sen's keynote address at the ‘Open Forum’ session, where he shared his views on current trends in cinema.
The students allegedly attempted to manhandle the director, objecting to his portrayal of Kerala in his films. Organisers of the event, Him Cine Society of Himachal, swiftly intervened and dispersed the agitating students.
Sen, the director of films like “The Kerala Story and Bastar: The Naxal Story”, criticised what he believes is a hijacking of the current cinematic narrative, where Hindu sentiments are sidelined through a conspiracy. He urged the audience to protect India’s historic legacy and emphasized the importance of standing up for cultural values in this defining moment.
Addressing the state’s film policy, Sen suggested that the government of Himachal Pradesh should mandate the engagement of 20 per cent local technicians and staff in films shot within the state. He also shared personal experiences that inspired him to create films about Kerala, which may have triggered the students' protest.
Earlier, Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj, the event's chief guest, inaugurated the festival, emphasising the vital role cinema plays in promoting Indian values and fostering patriotism. Bhardwaj praised cinema’s ability to address social vices and requested Sen to create a short documentary on the role of discipline in shaping society, aimed at educating the state's youth.
The two-day event, organised by the Him Cine Society of Himachal, is part of a larger initiative by Bhartiya Chitra Sadhna, a national platform dedicated to promoting narratives that uphold India's Sanatan culture. Later in the day, noted film personality Prashan Ranjan addressed the audience in a session focused on cine literacy.
Sen’s bold statements on cinema’s role in shaping national consciousness and his critique of current entertainment trends were seen as provocative by some, but the event continued without further disruption.
Students from Kerala attempt to manhandle director
A group of Keralite youth claiming to be students of Central University of Himachal Pradesh allegedly attempted to manhandle the director, objecting to his portrayal of Kerala in his films. Organisers of the event, Him Cine Society of Himachal, swiftly intervened and dispersed the agitating students.
