A reel view of crowd funding
The Hindu
Short film chronicles the tale of a youngster who decides to repay the kindness of strangers
Be it a calamity or medical emergency, crowdfunding is the new mantra to channel philanthropic contributions. But this boundless digital world is also one of scammers, leaving the patrons vulnerable to fraudulent fundraising campaigns.Sethuvinte Kanakkupusthakam, a 22-minute short film directed by Binoy Kottakkal, chronicles the heartwarming tale of Sethu, a youngster who decides to repay the kindness of strangers.
"I felt it was a socially relevant theme and we tried to present it in a different way. The thread was developed by our scenarist Sudhish Gopinath and the film tries to pass on a beautiful message. The feedback has been very good," says the director.

A vacuum cleaner haunted by a ghost is the kind of one-liner which can draw in a festival audience looking for a little light-hearted fun to fill the time slots available between the “heavier” films which require much closer attention. A useful ghost, the debut feature of Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke being screened in the world cinema category at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), even appears so in the initial hour. Until, the film becomes something more, with strong undercurrents of Thailand’s contemporary political history.

Sustainability is not an add-on, but stamped firmly into the process: every piece is biodegradable, waste-free and unembellished, free from glitter or beads. “Products should be sustainable and biodegradable so that our planet is not harmed,” says Anu Elizabeth Alexander, a student of Sishya, Adyar. At a recent exhibition, the stars she made sold the fastest, followed by the small diamonds. “I would like people to know about the process, how it is created, and that it is sustainable,” says Anu. Infanta Leon from Kotturpuram developed an interest in crochet as a teenager. It was a hobbyhorse that evolved into a steed that would help her embark on a journey of identity-shaping creative engagement. She started making Christmas-themed decor two years ago, spurred by a desire to craft safe, eco-friendly toys for children. “With a toddler at home, and my elder child sensitive to synthetic materials, I wanted to create items that were gentle, durable and tactile,” she explains. Her earliest creations were small amigurumi toys which gradually evolved into ornaments that could adorn Christmas trees with warmth and charm.











