Don Bosco Film School

2026
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Don Bosco Film School

Cinema as Witness: Don Bosco Film School Defines the Brand Identity for the 18th IDSFFK

Cinema as Witness: Brand Identity for the 18th IDSFFK

When the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy unveiled the visual identity for the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK 2026), it revealed a visual philosophy rooted deeply in land, ecology, and remembrance. Conceptualised and designed by Don Bosco Film School and DB IMAGE Production on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, the festival’s campaign identity centres around the conceptual theme “TRACES”.

The design for the 18th edition starts with a simple observation: a contour map and a film perform the same essential function. Both capture what exists—elevation, movement, presence, and the architecture of reality. Cinema does this for human experience, recording histories, emotions, and shifting landscapes of thought.

That parallel drives the entire identity. The topographical contours running through the visual language are not decorative; they form the underlying logic of the festival. A terrain is mapped so that its shape can be known to everyone; films are made so that human truths are not erased by time. Grounded by Kerala’s regional coordinates (8°18′ N to 12°48′ N, 74°52′ E to 77°22′ E) and populated with delicate silhouettes of native, vulnerable wildlife, the visual assets weave typography and topography together to let the festival trace the voice of a shared landscape.

This feels especially urgent today. In a world moving at breakneck speed, quiet stories, subtle realities, and shared memories risk being overlooked. Cinema does not exist merely to entertain, but to bear witness—to observe closely, preserve authenticity, and hold a mirror to the realities of our world.

Running from 25 to 30 September 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, the festival serves as an international meeting ground for diverse perspectives. For Don Bosco Film School, spearheading this comprehensive design demonstrates how cinematic education transcends camera direction to shape the broader philosophical and visual narratives that frame our world. This impact extended far beyond visual identity, as Don Bosco Film School’s artistic vision translated directly onto the festival screens with a remarkable double triumph for its alumni and in-house talent. Ultimately, this identity affirms that cinema is a vital instrument of memory, capturing the contours of life and giving permanence to stories that shouldn’t, and refuse to disappear.

Amjad Hassan Don Bosco IMAGE

Amjad Hassan

Amjad Hassan is a creative Film/ Video editor, bringing forth over a decade of extensive expertise in film and video editing. His career journey spans multiple feature films where his creative prowess and keen eye for detail have left an indelible mark. With a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Media from St. Joseph College Of Communication and specialized training in Film Editing from Cinthamani Entertainment Technologies Academy, Amjad is a certified professional, equipped with a robust skill set. Proficient in industry-standard software such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, he excels in transcoding videos, fine-tuning sequences, and bringing artistic visions to life. His notable works include the supervision of editing, dubbing, and color correction for the acclaimed feature film “Kaadakalam,” recognized as the “Best Children’s Film” at the Kerala State Film Awards 2021, and editing for feature film Nizhalazham. He’s currently working on editing, spearheading shot evaluation, content trimming, asset organization, and contributing fresh ideas for process enhancement for the feature film, Anatomy. Amjad’s dedication to refining the art of storytelling, coupled with his commitment to sharing industry insights, makes him a valued mentor and an asset to aspiring filmmakers.
arun sivan - Cinematographer - Film industry

Arun Sivan

Arun Sivan, is an eminent Cinematographer in the Malayalam film industry and advertising field, and boasts an illustrious career marked by creativity and expertise. He started his career by assisting renowned cinematographers such as Azhagappan and Vishnu Namboothiri. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Cinema & Television from St. Joseph College of Communication and a background in BA Malayalam, Arun’s passion for cinematography, video editing, and audiography fuels his drive for excellence. Adept at camera theory, lighting techniques, and videography, his extensive experience spans working as Assistant Cinematographer in notable works like “Aadu oru Bhikarajeeviyanu,” “101 Weddings,” “Urumbukal uragarillea,” “Black Butterfly,” and “Pattom Polea,” along with a stint at Flowers TV as an Associate Director for “Uppum Mulakum.” Arun’s dedication to fostering the next generation of cinematic talent is evident through his tenure as an Assistant Professor at Sacred Heart College Thevara and DIMS Chalakudy, and currently as the Head of Department at Goodness Institute of Film and Television in Kochi. Proficient in Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Audition, among other software, Arun Sivan embodies creativity, leadership, and an insatiable thirst for learning in the realm of cinematography and film education.

Gayathri

Gayathri is armed with a DELF B2 certification and her proficiency in the French language is complemented by a passion for imparting knowledge and fostering a deep understanding of French culture and linguistics. With a dedicated focus on imparting language skills, Gayathri ensures an immersive and engaging learning environment, nurturing students’ abilities to comprehend, converse, and appreciate the nuances of the French language.
M C Jithin Director

M C Jithin

M C Jithin is an acclaimed Film Director driven by an innate passion for storytelling and filmmaking. His odyssey in the film industry commenced with a BA in Communications from St. Joseph College, Changanaserry, followed by a Masters in Visual Communication from Madras University. Early in his career, Jithin honed his skills under the guidance of Abrid Shine, serving as Assistant Director for the iconic film “1983” and as Associate Director for “Action Hero Biju.” Venturing into scriptwriting, he collaborated with Mahesh Narayan, showcasing his versatile talents. In 2018, Jithin’s directorial prowess shone through with his debut film “NONSENSE,” earning critical acclaim upon its release on the OTT platform Primevideo. He has also been working as a guest lecturer in various film institutions in South India for the past 9 years. Currently, he is passionately crafting his next cinematic endeavor, produced by Shyju Khalid & Sameer Thahir under the Happy Hours Entertainments banner. With an illustrious journey and a commitment to storytelling, Jithin continues to weave narratives that captivate audiences’ hearts and minds.