A film festival amid the pandemic often gifts experiences and memories to people. Beyond just watching movies, the people who come here have stories to share as well. Their stories are as interesting as the ones shown in theatres, if not more.

Jishnu Prakash, a final year Malayalam post-graduation student of Kariyavattom College, who came to attend the 26th IFFK, has one such story to tell. Every year since 2018, Jishnu has exhibited the photographs which he took on his mobile phone, at the film festival. This year, he has named his photo exhibition ‘Idangal’ (Spaces). Lost spaces, unnoticed spaces, desired spaces. the title explores much more.

Limitations turned into wings

Jishnu’s photographs are exhibited on a ‘mundu’ gifted by his friend’s father. Last year, they were pinned on his mother’s sari. His mother, who has been a constant supporter of his photography dreams, is Jishnu’s greatest inspiration. Some of his friends namely Rohit, Gokul, Akhila, Anju are all there to lend a helping hand as well.

Which is your phone chetta?

‘iPhone 13 Pro Max, but it costs only Rs 13,000’, replied Jishnu when asked by two girls at the festival. Cinematographer Santhosh Sivan had once said, ‘What matters is not the expensive camera, rather the person using it’. The same applies in Jishnu’s case as well. Each and every picture in Jishnu’s gallery has a different story to tell. They are indeed ‘pictures with lives’, as many call it.

This year, there is another motive behind the exhibition. Jishnu has been in constant search of a producer for a lullaby he wrote. However, his dream has attained fulfillment as he shared his dream to director Renjith and producer Renjith. ‘Sir, I need to find a producer for my lullaby. That is my biggest goal’, he said. On hearing about Jishnu’s dream, director Renjith asked, ‘How much will be the expense?’ Jishnu stood awestruck at the unexpected question. ‘We’ll look into it anyway’, said producer Renjith and asked Jishnu to meet them at the academy once the festival ends.

All mothers should hear my song

Unexpectedly, few words poured into Jishnu's heart which was later turned into a lullaby. He had written it on his way back from a friend’s mother’s funeral. Later, tears filled the eyes of all the mothers who heard the song. His dream of bringing the song to all the mothers and children is now at the verge of becoming a reality.

"Streets are enough to display pictures. There you can see people with stories. I will again come back with photographs in order to understand them and their stories. Confidence alone is enough for any ordinary person to achieve his dreams", said Jishnu.