The 27th Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival at LENS media centre in Madurai features work that portrays lived realities, human emotions, and social truths with clarity.
| Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY
In today’s world, where fictional and narrative films dominate the media culture, Marupakkam’s 27th Madurai International Documentary and Short Film Festival-2025, which began here on December 6, brings the importance of documentary filmmaking. This film festival highlights the portrayal of lived realities, human emotions, and social truths with a clarity often missing in mainstream narratives.
The event drew several thought-provoking filmmakers from across the country. Festival organiser and filmmaker R.P. Amudhan said: “Many people are now immersed in short videos of seconds duration on many social media platforms. Through this festival, filmmakers from different regions present innovative and engaging documentary and short films.”
VISCOM professor from Madurai Kamaraj University Nagarathinam said: “These documentaries and short films play a vital role in bringing contemporary social and political issues to the forefront, helping create greater awareness among the public.”
R. Murali, former principal of Madura College, said the annual event had evolved into a space where independent filmmakers could be seen and heard. He said it allowed young directors to present stories shaped by their own creative perspective.
Filmmaker Dipin Chenayil, through his documentary, See Me When You Leave, shares the feelings and emotions of many people, especially labourers, who move from their native places to work in other States and countries.
Despite isolation, discrimination, and uncertainty, these workers create bonds, share stories, and find comfort in moments of temporary happiness, he said.
Nowadays, as laws change and conflicts emerge across the world, people still search for their identity in their native lands, even decades after Independence. This documentary, Sathyapulla – The Magical Grass, directed by Ramdas Kadavallur, explores current sociopolitical realities in India through a young Muslim woman who is experiencing depression and longing for secularism and coexistence of different communities.
Mr. Ramdas said: “The name Sathyapulla symbolises humanity and question of what it has become in today’s world.”
He said the film explores human values, ethical dilemmas, and how compassion and empathy are tested in the current sociopolitical world.
After watching this documentary, Mr. Natarajan said: “The director of this documentary has beautifully captured the experiences and writings of poet Rashida Nasriya, highlighting her personal struggle with identity and her quest for personal liberation.”
In a fast-moving world that focuses on youth who are active and fierce, elderly people and their emotions hardly get any attention. Those Revealed on The Walls, In a Touch, a documentary directed by Anand P. Chandran, and Kollamai, a documentary directed by Vaishiya Thamizh, show emotional reconnection between two generations.
Kamali, after watching the documentaries, said, “It reminded me of my grandmother, and it organically and purely showcases the healthy lifestyle people led in their younger days.”
About this documentary, Mr. Amudhan said: “In the present scenario, many tend to forget people aged above 40 or 50. Capturing the fine lines on their skin or their quiet moments of rest may seem small, but these details highlight the importance of the elderly.”
The festival presented many such documentaries and short films that give the audience an insight into the lives and struggles of people.
Published – December 08, 2025 06:46 pm IST
