New Delhi, Dec 20 (Agency) Ministry of Science and Technology on Sunday said due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as per Government of India guidelines, this year, the sixth International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI) 2020, as part of India International Science Festival (IISF), is to be organised in a virtual environment from December 22 to December 25. This year record 632 science documentaries, short films, animation videos have been received from 60 countries, the Ministry said in a statement. Internationally acclaimed and awards winning foreign and Indian films on science, health and environment were screened via online platform, it said. A competition for Indian and International professional and student film- makers has been organised.
‘A total 632 competitive and non-competitive entries have been received from 60 countries around the globe. Non-Competitive Category: 75 submission from 23 countries including India,’ the statement said. These nominated films will be screened from December 22 to December 25 on Vigyan Prasar’s YouTube channel and India Science Festival channel. Panel discussions on various aspects to promote science films’ culture were organised with the noted science filmmakers from Switzerland, Israel, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Taiwan and other countries. Master Classes on creative and technical aspects of science filmmaking were conducted by senior science filmmakers, the statement said. As part of IISF – India International Science Festival, the International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI) seeks to promote science popularization among citizens and aims at attracting talented young science filmmakers and science enthusiasts. Science film is an effective tool for science communication to foster and create an excitement of science amongst people at large; it also helps inculcate a scientific temper among the audience thereby shaping the analytical thinking, a prerequisite for the inclusive development of the nation. The ISFFI offers an opportunity for students and other participants to get involved with the process of science film-making and improve their understanding of various feats in science and technology. ‘