Manipal, 11th December 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has added another feather to its cap with the official selection of two of its documentaries for the 8th edition of the International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF) in Thrissur, Kerala. IFFF is a prestigious global event that celebrates folklore and cultural heritage through cinema. The festival receives more than 800 films from worldwide and this year it will screen over 200 films from around the world that offer a unique glimpse into the rich diversity of folklore-based storytelling. MAHE is proud that two of its documentaries will be screened in the festival during 10 -15 January 2025.

The festival organized by the International Film Festival of Thrissur (IFFT), Bhoumam Social Initiative, the Centre for Media Studies at St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India, The selected documentaries, Pilivesha of Tulunadu and Satyada Siri: A Woman’s Tale, are a testament to MAHE’s commitment to showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region to the global audience. Pilivesha of Tulunadu explores the deeply rooted tradition of Pilivesha, or the Tiger Dance, a symbolic and artistic practice central to the cultural identity of Tulu Nadu. The film highlights its significance in promoting harmony and unity among diverse communities while preserving a unique artistic expression. On the other hand, Satyada Siri: A Woman’s Tale presents a moving narrative about faith and spirituality, reflecting the profound connection between individual belief systems and the collective well-being.

Satyada Siri: A Woman’s Tale has already garnered international acclaim, having been screened at the Multicultural Film Festival 2024 in Perth, Australia, and the Cinemaking International Film Festival 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pilivesha of Tulunadu has made MAHE proud with its recent official selection at the Tokyo Documentary Film Festival 2024. The documentary was screened under visual anthropology category at Tokyo, Japan on 05 December 2024.

Both films were directed by Dr. Praveen K. Shetty, Coordinator of the Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue (CISD) at MAHE, and Nitesh Anchan, Research Associate at CISD. The documentaries are part of the larger project Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu, an initiative by MAHE. Launched in September 2021, this project aimed to bring the cultural heritage of Tulunadu—a region encompassing Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kasargod districts—to a global audience through an online course. The self-paced online course offered under Directorate of Online Education, MAHE includes documentaries, expert lectures, and academic readings, providing an immersive experience into Tulunadu’s living traditions. The course has already been completed by 450 participants, primarily students, enriching their understanding of the region’s heritage. The next batch of the online course will be open for registration in the last week of December 2024.

MAHE’s consistent efforts through CISD reflect its dedication to preserving and disseminating the intangible cultural heritage of Tulu Nadu. These documentaries celebrate the region’s cultural richness and position MAHE as an international academic institution with strong regional rootedness.