Award ceremony for the Dunstan International short film competition winners – A grand event held in the presence of film industry celebrities
The sale of snacks at inflated prices in cinema canteens must be curbed – Director Perarasu urges Chief Minister Vijay
There is no profession better than cinema – Director Perarasu speaks at the Dunstan short film competition award ceremony
Making short films is no ordinary feat – R.K. Selvamani speaks at the Dunstan short film competition award ceremony
Thushan should celebrate his birthday as ‘Short Film Day’ – Director Subramaniam Siva urges at the Dunstan short film competition award ceremony
R.K. Selvamani is the true pioneer and mentor for short film directors – Director Pandiraj speaks at the Dunstan short film competition award ceremony
The Producers’ Council and FEFSI are collaborating on several beneficial initiatives – G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran shares updates at the Dunstan short film competition event
Thushan—Chairman of Dunstan International, as well as a producer and actor—organized a short film competition. Over 500 short films participated; the top 10 were selected, with the top three winners receiving prizes and cash awards. Additionally, awards were presented for excellence in various categories, including cinematography, music, and acting.
All participants who won or were selected in special categories were honored with certificates, mementos, and medals. Many film industry personalities—including FEFSI President R.K. Selvamani, Film Producers Council President G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran, directors Perarasu, Subramaniam Siva, Pandiraj, and Ganeshan, actresses Asmitha and Shyamala, and Stunt Union President Don Ashok—attended the event and honored the short film directors by presenting them with awards.
Delivering the welcome address, Dushan said, “I thank the film industry personalities and journalists who have come to this short film competition awards ceremony. I extend a warm welcome to you all.” Director and producer Ganeshan said, “I have been in the film industry for 35 years. When I was invited to the success event of the movie Darbar, I made a request to Lyca founder Subaskaran. I suggested that while he produces films with massive budgets of ₹100 or ₹200 crores, he should also consider producing films with budgets of ₹3 to ₹5 crores; doing so would attract talented youth and innovative thinkers to the industry, fostering its growth. However, they did not heed this advice and continued to produce only big-budget films. Similarly, some people here take advantage of Eelam Tamils who arrive with funds. Certain directors deceive these individuals, causing them to lose their money and flee in distress. Amidst such a scenario, young Dushan is making steady, incremental progress. I have known him for years, and this measured approach will lead him to great heights.
Beyond just producing films, he has amazed everyone by organizing a grand short film competition and an awards ceremony. I wish for him to continue hosting this competition and to produce many more films. If anyone has a story suitable for a micro-budget film, they can approach me; I am ready to produce it. Likewise, I am willing to work as an assistant director—without any remuneration—for aspiring directors. I am also happy to assist anyone who wishes to seek information or clarify doubts regarding cinema; please feel free to contact me.” Speaking on the occasion, actor Muruganandam said, “This wonderful event is taking place on the birthday of its organizer, Dushanthan. Usually, people celebrate their birthdays by distributing food at orphanages or cutting a cake. However, Dushanthan is supporting the futures of many by organizing a short film competition on his special day. If he continues to do such noble deeds on his birthday, there would be nothing wrong even if he celebrated it four times a year.
Generally, when children turn out well, we praise their parents; but after marriage, it is the wife who deserves the praise. That is why I told Dushanthan’s wife, ‘You have raised your husband so well.’ He is truly an exceptional human being. This initiative of his will be a tremendous help to many people’s futures. I struggled greatly when I was trying to become an assistant director; back then, there were no platforms or stages available for us to showcase our talent. But the people here have been given a fantastic platform through this short film competition. I wish for all of you to make the most of this opportunity and advance to the next level.”
Director Sujith said, “Happy birthday to Dushanthan. I commend him for organizing this short film competition. The young people here…”
…You should make the most of a short film competition like this. I look forward to seeing you again at the next awards ceremony. Best wishes.”
Actor Dileepan said, “I have known Dushanth for four years. He produced a film and starred in it as the lead; I acted in that movie, and it turned out excellently. He is someone who spends exactly what is required for the story. Born in Sri Lanka and having worked in London, he has now come to Tamil cinema for our sake. He is a fantastic producer for the Tamil film industry. Recently, he set up a large office and launched a company called Dunstan International. When he invited me there, I felt he was planning something big. True to that, he has organized this massive short film competition. I must say that this competition is going to pave the way for great careers for many people.
In our time, we could only see a camera on a professional film set; we couldn’t shoot using small, compact cameras like people do today. However, for the current generation, competitions like this serve as a platform to showcase their talent. Therefore, you should utilize this opportunity effectively to move to the next level. Winning a prize in such a competition isn’t the only victory; participation itself is a huge success. I wish for everyone who participated to go on to direct great films and succeed as directors.”
Vimal Rambo said, “Happy birthday to Mr. Dushanth. Those participating in a short film competition for the first time should make the most of this opportunity and reach great heights. Through your creative work, may both you and we prosper. Thank you.”
Actor Mullai said, “Greetings to all the aspiring directors. Over 500 people participated in this short film competition; ten were shortlisted, and prizes are set to be awarded to three of them.” “Everyone here is a director, and I request that you give us opportunities in your films. Witnessing this event reminds me of Abdul Kalam and Bharathiyar. Abdul Kalam spoke of dreaming, and you have indeed dreamed. Bharathiyar spoke of making dreams come true; through this short film competition, Dushan Sir has turned your dream into reality. Cinema transcends all differences—including religion—and we have all gathered here united by it. You will certainly go far thanks to this competition; best wishes.” Saying this, the speaker also sang a song.
Actress Asmitha said, “Happy birthday to Dushan Sir. Congratulations to all the participants and award winners of this short film competition. It is a wonderful event, and I urge everyone to applaud those who worked hard to make it happen.”
Actress Shyamala Dhattaraj said, “Happy birthday to Dushan Sir. I have acted in five Tamil films. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event. Congratulations to all the participants and winners. Best wishes to everyone who successfully organized such a grand event. I hope Dushan Sir achieves immense success through this event and that his winning streak continues.”
Director and actor Perarasu said, “Today is a significant day—it is the birthday of ‘our’ Vijay, ‘your’ Vijay. He has celebrated many birthdays as an actor, but this is the first one he is celebrating as Chief Minister. It is special that Dushan is also celebrating his birthday today. On every birthday, Vijay visits the hospital where he was born and gifts rings to the babies born on that day. In that sense, this short film festival has become a ‘ring’—a precious gift—for Dushan on his birthday.” If Vijay approves a story narrated to him, he lays down three conditions. First, there should be no shooting on Sundays. Second, filming must not extend beyond 6 PM; if a night shoot does occur, there should be no filming the following day. Third, there should be no shooting on his birthday. He insists on these conditions because he wants to meet his fans on his birthday. He believes that he owes his current position to them and must not forget them; this very sentiment—dedicating his birthday to his fans—is what has ultimately led him to the seat of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I extend my appreciation and gratitude to Dushanth for organizing this short film competition and creating opportunities for so many people. In our time, simply securing an appointment to narrate a story to a producer was a major challenge. Others here have spoken about the hardships faced by assistant directors; if I were to recount my own experiences, it would take ten days. Beyond the hardships, one often has to endure significant humiliation. Producers wouldn’t grant time to hear a story; even if they did, they wouldn’t show respect—often making you narrate the story while standing. I faced many such situations…
I have faced various situations in my own journey. However, your path is different; thanks to the platform Dushan has created, you are poised to embark on a future as successful directors or assistant directors. Therefore, Dushan’s initiative is praiseworthy and must continue.
We must avoid situations where Dushan—who is like the goose that lays the golden egg—is destroyed by those who would foolishly “cut open its belly.” He is quite astute and possesses great clarity. That is why he informs those pitching stories about the specific budget upfront, asking them to present ideas that fit within those financial limits. Producing a film within a set budget makes it easier to market the movie and recover the investment; even if setbacks occur, one can manage the situation without sinking. Because Dushan possesses this clarity, no one can take him for a ride. There is no better profession than cinema. If everyone involved—directors, managers, theater owners, and even ticket collectors—acted with integrity, producers would never face losses. It is the dishonesty of a few that causes so many producers to suffer financial setbacks. New producers often enter the industry without prior knowledge, learning the ropes only after the film is completed. Such producers not only face financial loss but also endure immense mental stress and suffering. Dushan, however, plans his productions with great clarity, and many will find opportunities through him. I feel proud looking at the talent on this short-film platform; I am certain they will emerge as excellent directors in the future, and I wish them all the best.
I would like to make a request to Chief Minister Vijay. The government has already mandated that snacks sold in temples must be sold at the printed price and not at a premium; similar regulations should be imposed on the sale of snacks in cinema theater canteens. Selling an item for 20 rupees above the fixed price—such as selling a 50-rupee product for 70 rupees—might be acceptable, but selling it for 250 rupees is not right. This is precisely why people are afraid to visit movie theaters with their families. While ticket prices are reasonable, the prices of food items sold inside the theaters are shocking. Just as regulations were imposed on temples, the Tamil Nadu government—led by Chief Minister Vijay—should also regulate food sales in theater canteens. Temples are not the only entities under your administration; theaters fall under your jurisdiction as well. Therefore, if Chief Minister Vijay intervenes and rectifies this issue, the film industry will flourish, and low-budget films and their producers will succeed. Vijay himself started his career acting in small films, so he understands the struggles faced by low-budget producers. I urge Chief Minister Vijay to take a positive decision on this matter soon.
“I watched some of the short films selected for this event, and they were excellent. One film brilliantly portrayed what a father must do to ensure his children grow up with good values. Many such short films impressed me. Short films are not trivial matters; they are like fire—powerful tools that can be used to convey meaningful messages to society. I am confident that the participants in this event will go on to direct great films in the future. Beyond providing a platform to showcase their talent, Dushan intends to offer opportunities to direct feature films to those with compelling stories. I wish for him to follow in the footsteps of R.B. Choudary sir by introducing many new directors and becoming a major producer in Tamil cinema, and I also hope this short film competition continues to be held successfully every year,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, director and actor Subramaniam Siva said, “Dushan has done something truly wonderful on his birthday.” “This short film competition is set to fulfill the dreams of many. It would be wonderful if Dushanthan organized this event annually and celebrated his birthday as ‘Short Film Day,’ as it would provide opportunities to so many people. Speaking at an event, Vairamuthu Sir once said, ‘A touch of subtlety is needed for love; a harbor is needed for a ship to dock; and the acquaintance of good people is needed to progress in life.’ Similarly, you have come to know a good person named Dushanthan. Through him, everyone participating in this competition is poised to reach great heights. Cinema is no ordinary matter; it is the pinnacle of art. Those who journey in the world of cinema are truly fortunate. I urge you to seize your future opportunities and create films that convey meaningful messages to society.”
FEFSI President R.K. Selvamani said, “I take a keen interest in participating in events like this. The reason is that I stand before you as a director today precisely because of a short film. While I was still studying at the film institute, I worked as an assistant director to Manivannan Sir…”
“I was acquainted with Raavuthar Sir and Vijayakanth Sir back then. Immediately after graduating from film school, I tried to pitch stories. When I met Raavuthar Sir to request an appointment to narrate a story to Vijayakanth Sir, he would say, ‘Let’s look into it in two years.’ If I went back after two years, he would say, ‘Brother [Vijayakanth] doesn’t have dates available; he is busy—let another two years pass.’ Years went by like this. I realized that even if another twenty years passed, Raavuthar Sir would keep saying the same thing. So, I directed a short film and went to meet him. Even then, he said, ‘Brother has no dates available.’ I told him I hadn’t come to ask for dates but to show him a short film I had directed. He agreed and watched it. The very next day after watching it, he said, ‘Let’s make a film with Brother—start right away,’ and the inaugural pooja ceremony was held. The man who had previously said there were no dates for two years told me to start the feature film within just two weeks of seeing my short film. That short film gave me an identity and recognition. That is why I continue to participate in events like this.
Making short films is no ordinary task. When making feature-length films, it is enough if just a few scenes are engaging. However, in short films, every single minute must be captivating. When making commercials, one has to tell a story within every single frame. Therefore, those who excel at making short films will certainly go on to make great feature films. My best wishes to everyone who participated in this,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Pandiraj said, “As Selvamani Sir mentioned, making short films is no ordinary task. When making feature films, we have plenty of time, but telling a story within the limited duration of a short film is a challenging task.” “It is amazing that Selvamani Sir secured opportunities in the film industry by making short films as early as 30 years ago. I had assumed the short film culture emerged only about a decade ago; knowing he did it back then makes him a pioneer and a mentor to everyone making short films today.
I have served as a judge in many short film competitions, and the films I saw there often astonished me. Filmmakers would brilliantly tell a story worthy of a full-length feature within just a few minutes. You, too, have directed your short films excellently; my best wishes to you. There is no such thing as a definitive winner or loser here. A short film that a judge dislikes at one competition might be appreciated by a judge at another; it is a matter of personal preference. Therefore, one shouldn’t dwell on winning or losing; simply participating in this competition is a significant achievement. You certainly have a bright future in cinema—best wishes,” he said.
Music composer Dina said, “Happy birthday to Dushanth, and congratulations on organizing such a wonderful event today. I, too, secured my break in cinema through similar short films. I first composed music for a telefilm starring Radhika and Vikram, followed by the title song for the serial Chithi. Only after that did I get opportunities in feature films. Since I also entered cinema after working on telefilms and serials just like you, I am confident that these short films will help you carve out your own space in the film industry.”
Producers’ Council President G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran said, “Happy birthday to my friend Dushanth, and congratulations on organizing this excellent event. Whenever there is an event or an issue concerning cinema, Selvamani Anna is always the first to step forward; we, too, are actively working on many positive initiatives for the film industry.” “The Producers’ Council and FEFSI are collaborating to develop several excellent initiatives. Many positive projects will be introduced in Tamil cinema over the next three years, and we are holding regular consultative meetings to that end. Tamil cinema needs to see the entry of new talent, including music directors and directors. I congratulate Thushanth for organizing this short film competition, which serves as a guiding step in that direction. I wish for him to continue this work,” he said.
