Nerul, December 16, 2025:
In the lead-up to its much-anticipated main event, the Frames Film Festival 2025 organised MEHFILM, a thoughtfully curated pre-event that brought together students, volunteers, and faculty at the Quadrangle of SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Nerul. Designed as a bond-building initiative, MEHFILM created a space where committees and volunteers could come together beyond formal roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the collective spirit that lies at the heart of the Frames Film Festival.
The event commenced at 5:00 p.m. and was gracefully hosted by Kanak Gupta and Melissa James, whose confident stage presence and articulate coordination ensured a seamless flow throughout the programme. The evening opened with the formal welcoming of the BAMMC faculty, acknowledging their continued guidance and encouragement. The dignitaries present included Mr. Mithun Pillai, Head of the BAMMC Department; Abhishek Dandekar, Chairperson of the Frames Film Festival; Dr. (Mrs.) Divya Nair; Ms. Tejal Shinde; Ms. Nivedita Mitra; and Ms. Swapna Ma’am. Their presence added significance to the occasion and served as a source of motivation for the students and volunteers involved.
Envisioned as a collective cultural experience rather than a conventional programme, MEHFILM unfolded with a vibrant community dance segment that celebrated unity through movement and expression. Two communities came together on stage, with participation from all twelve committees, presenting six energetic Bollywood dance performances. Each act reflected meticulous coordination, artistic precision, and infectious enthusiasm, offering a glimpse into the collaborative efforts and camaraderie that had been nurtured during the preparation phase of the festival. The Quadrangle came alive with energy as the audience responded with enthusiasm and applause.
The dance segment reached its crescendo with a compelling performance by the Cores and Heads of Committees. Their synchronized choreography, confident execution, and commanding stage presence drew resounding applause, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the evening. The segment concluded shortly before 6:00 p.m., leaving the audience invigorated and setting an enthusiastic tone for the rest of the event.
At approximately 6:10 p.m., MEHFILM transitioned into its second segment with the screening of the Bollywood film Stree (2018), a critically acclaimed horror-comedy known for its distinctive blend of humour, suspense, and social commentary. The screening provided a moment of collective relaxation, allowing volunteers and students to unwind together after weeks of rehearsals and planning. Laughter and shared reactions echoed through the venue, underscoring cinema’s power to unite audiences through storytelling and emotional engagement. The screening continued until 8:30 p.m., after which the event drew to a smooth and orderly conclusion.
As a pre-event under the broader framework of the Frames Film Festival 2025, MEHFILM strongly resonated with the festival’s 23rd edition theme, “KIRDAAR.” The evening embodied the belief that every individual volunteer, or spectator, plays an indispensable role in shaping a larger narrative. Much like filmmaking itself, the success of Frames is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and shared vision.
By creating an environment that encouraged interaction beyond committee boundaries, MEHFILM strengthened interpersonal connections and reinforced a sense of belonging among volunteers ahead of the main festival day. The event stood not merely as an evening of entertainment but as a meaningful reaffirmation of teamwork, dedication, and unity. As the Frames Film Festival 2025 moves closer to its grand culmination, MEHFILM remains a testament to the commitment and collaborative spirit of the BAMMC students and the Frames team, laying a strong foundation for the celebrations to come.
