The Literati presented its second film screening on Friday, 7 August 2015 at 12 pm in I PCM, Block 1. Around 25 students were left with a feel-good warmth after attending the screening of a movie called “Where is the Friend’s Home?”, one of the earlier works of Iranian film director, Abbas Kiarostami, which was inspired by a poem by Sohrab Sepehri, followed then by a Question and Answer session.

Being one of his most celebrated works, with the British Film Institute including the same as part of its top 50 movies to be watched before turning 14, it explores the metaphors of loyalty and civil duty, through a rather simple tale of a schoolboy wanting to return his friend’s notebook, failing which the latter would be subject to penalisation in school.

With the Q&A session moderated by Christ University’s very own Prashant from II MA Eng, the audience was challenged to ‘read a film’ like any other book, looking beyond the regular parameters, students generally set themselves, when it comes to cinema, like the story or the actors’ performance.

The film screening session on Friday gave insight to the students that films are primarily a visual medium of communication, highlighting the significance of cinematography and editing as a means to convey an idea and bring about emotions from the audience.

The audience gained a new found respect for Abbas Kiarostami’s simple style of cinema that transcends barriers while not being gimmicky or pretentious.

It doesn't matter if you missed this screening, we will be having another one (or two) in the month of September. We will keep you updated.

The Literati says hello to its first Poetry-reading session

The first poetry reading session by The Literati was held on Wednesday, 5 August 2015 at Room 116 (I PSEng), Block 1. The participants recited the poems they wrote and explained their contexts after the recitation. With over 12 participants and 30 people as audience, the first session was indeed fruitful. The theme of the poems ranged from personal anecdotes of love, longing and self-validation to vivid experiences and epiphanies.  From musings of a bored back-bencher to inspirational pieces of strength and hope, the writings were thoroughly varied and stimulating.

"I promise the world is not that dark a place. It may be unfamiliar, but it’s yours to reach out, explore and dare" said Jasmine Yadav. A performing arts student, with provocative buoyancy, had kindled the hope in our hearts with her moving poem advocating each one of us to smile at strangers, dare the world and unravel its sweetness.

The aim of introducing poetry reading sessions under The Literati was to motivate young and budding writers to channel their creative energies by giving them a platform enough to encourage and not intimidate them.

"The emerald trees are trembling in the blanching cold breeze so is my heart, for the fear of all things anew; why can't I live in the past? Why can't these summer days, for a lifetime last?" said Ekasmayi in her nostalgic poem, "An Evening in May", a beautiful reflection on nature and joys of summer days.

The session provided a platform to share and relate to the writings of our peers. Not only does it allow up-and-coming poets to connect with things old and new, but also inspires us. It validates their reflections and thoughts and gives them more ground.

I once knew this irksome colleague
who on my first day at work, said
“Girl, this job is way out of your league”
and asked me to leave instead.

Why? I wondered, ‘I barely know this guy!
What does he have against me?’
My assistant at length chose to reply
and told me the whole story.

“Ma’am, you see, before you came
to work for this renowned newspaper,
that man you met the other day – his name
…pardon me, I don’t remember –
had burned the candles at both ends
for the post of Editor-in-Chief.
Alas! The boss instead recommends
your name for the post, to his grief.”

Later, however, I began to realize
that it did not end just there.
The reason for his strong despise
was neither legit nor fair.

The reason why he hated me more
than the men who held my post before
was because I was no man at all
but a woman – which made me ‘small’.

My mother once told me to live and let live
regardless of gender, beliefs or race.
Sadly, not all were taught to give
regard to everyone’s grace.

- Sruthi Veeraraghavan