Kamaun University in the year 2016 initiates a few unconventional courses; filmmaking is one among them. The film faculty comprises Rajesh Shah, a Mumbai-based cinematographer who has returned to his home in the hills to dedicate his time to teaching, along with his wife, National Film Award-winning docu filmmaker Shalini Shah. Before the end of the year, the duo along with their first batch of 14 students decide to host a tiny student film festival with the gracious backing of CEFM–The Hermitage, Kumaun University.

The inaugural edition is such a rousing success that the second edition, this year, is immensely scaled up: it runs for 10 days in all, includes a 5-day FTII-Pune film appreciation camp, is international and competitive, and features a Film Critics Circle of India citation.

Expanding further, the next edition is planned to be in association with major Indian short & docu film festivals, and film societies; and to include Audience Choice Awards, a hands-on film workshop, and a Docu & Short Fiction Film Market.

Participants are encouraged to interact with each other and experience unknown cultures, to interact with seniors from the film industry and open avenues for near-future professional endeavors, and to accept invaluable tips and techniques from them gathered through years of real-life filming experience.

The virgin, serene hills and lake of Naintal has long enticed peoples from far lands; distinguished Indian filmmakers and actors too. And street theater here is almost a natural art. It is hoped, therefore, fondly, that this festival would eventually be able to revive the rich folk heritage of Uttarakhand and turn Naintal into a major center for the discussion, exhibition, and preservation of world folk practices.