Hands-On Learning for XIC Students at the 14th Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival
14-December-2025
The 14th Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival was held in Mumbai and brought together filmmakers, actors, producers and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad. The festival is known for celebrating short films across genres and for encouraging emerging voices in cinema. It featured film screenings, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals.
The festival also hosted awards ceremonies, recognising excellence in short filmmaking. Renowned actor Ninad Kamat and filmmaker Sujoy Mukherjee were present at the festival as distinguished guests and winners. Their presence added value to the event and provided inspiration to young filmmakers and students attending the festival.
Seven students from Xavier Institute of Communications volunteered for the event and played an important role in its smooth execution. The volunteers were:
- Lavanya Joshi from Film, Television & Digital Media
- Shrey Kapoor from Film, Television & Digital Media
- Srishti Bansal from Film, Television & Digital Media
- Dhwani Jain from Event Planning & Experiential Marketing
- Rishav Basak from Event Planning & Experiential Marketing
- Sreshtha Samantaray from Event Planning & Experiential Marketing
- Harjas Singh Sandhu from Event Planning & Experiential Marketing
The student volunteers were involved in several key areas of festival management. Their responsibilities included registration and welcome desk support, coordination of film screenings, assisting guests and jury members, managing audience flow, and supporting the organising team during award ceremonies and panel sessions. Some volunteers also helped with backstage coordination, time management for sessions, and communication between different departments of the festival.
Through this experience, the students gained hands-on exposure to the workings of a professional film festival. They learnt about event planning, team coordination, guest handling, and the practical challenges of managing an event. This opportunity helped them understand the film industry outside the classroom and strengthen their organisational and communication skills.
The participation of XIC students in the 14th Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival reflects the institute’s commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement. The college congratulates the students for their dedication and for representing the institution with professionalism and enthusiasm.