The second day of the 22nd Edition of Frames Film Festival organised by the BAMMC Department of SIES saw documentaries and animation movies being screened for a panel of judges to decide upon.

The day’s highlight was the screening of a curated selection of seven remarkable documentaries, each crafted to inform, inspire, and evoke emotion. In the second half the collection of animation movies with a combined runtime of 59 minutes and 10 seconds celebrated the boundless imagination and technical brilliance that animation brings to storytelling.

The three day festival will culminate on January 10 with the winners of each categories getting declared on the same day. This year’s theme, Nayaab, resonated deeply throughout the segment. It symbolized rare and unparalleled brilliance, urging everyone to embrace silent masterpieces and discover hidden gems. The theme's essence was beautifully articulated by the hosts, who encouraged the audience to open their hearts to the whispers of untold stories.

The event had some thought-provoking documentaries that mirrored life’s truths likewise the animated movies highlighted the ability of a director to transport audiences to fantastical realms and stretch the boundaries of reality

“The day was a testament to the power of cinema in evoking emotions and sparking meaningful conversations,” said a guest.  

The judges roped in for watching the documentary films  were  Sanjo Talpade, a renowned cinematographer and filmmaker recognized for his work on Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Zabardast, and Avinash I.P.S. Joining Talpade was Saandesh Naik, a Bollywood director of  film Love Shagun and television shows like Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla, Chhote Miyan, and Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. The collection of documentaries screened highlighted the diverse stories of resilience, environmental efforts, and human struggles.

One film followed a young cook, an artist, and an 8-year-old girl who help trash picker kids in Bali. Another showcased an NGOs working together to protect wildlife in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.

 "Ganpati of 365 Days" offers an intimate exploration of sculptors’ creative processes. A poignant story from Bangladesh focuses on a tiger widow's challenges amid climate change. An indigenous family in Brazil works to preserve their culture while cleaning a landfill. A documentary about women balancing work and family life at Mahashakti Sewa Kendra highlights their strength and challenges. Finally, another film delves into the psychological aftermath of the devastating 2023 Turkey earthquake.

Each documentary was met with admiration and applause, reflecting the audience’s deep engagement and appreciation for the filmmakers' dedication. The judges following the screening  took the stage to share their insights, providing valuable feedback on the documentaries. They praised the filmmakers for their creativity, storytelling prowess, and the ability to tackle critical issues with authenticity and depth. 

Animation Category took center stage in the second half of the day. The animation session began with a captivating introduction to the world of animation, with the host highlighting its ability to transport audiences to fantastical realms and stretch the boundaries of reality. The hosts emphasized how animation serves as an art form that stirs the imagination, presenting a tapestry of light, colour, and emotions. This sentiment set the tone for the day

The jury selected for the Animation Category, included Damandeep Singh Baggan and Ashok Kaul. The judges towards the end provided valuable feedback, sharing insights about the industry and the evolving art of animation

The collection of films screened depicted various emotional and psychological struggles. "They Meet Tomorrow" is an animated short thriller exploring the blurred lines between reality and imagination as a troubled mind seeks help. "Piano" tells the story of a person longing to buy a piano but is deprived of life's simple joys due to war. In a fantasy-inspired tale, a man discovers he is a guest in the land of salamanders, influenced by works by R. Akutagawa and K. Chapek.

"Single or Return" is an animation about the bond in a single-parent family, where the daughter longs for her workaholic father’s presence, but he always leaves her with a tiny wooden bear. In a story of survival, Fael meets Tan, a young native who leads him through a toxic forest to a village, where Fael learns about the curiosity of the villagers through Tan’s discoveries.

The Q&A session at the end of the Animation Category brought a lively energy to the hall as the audience eagerly engaged with the judges. It was a day that celebrated the art of filmmaking, ignited a shared passion for storytelling within everyone present.

As the curtains closed on this day, the festival left behind a lingering sense of awe and anticipation for what’s to come. “The second day reaffirmed the essence of Frames—bringing stories to life, fostering connections, and celebrating the unparalleled brilliance of human creativity,” said a student.