The critically acclaimed feature film Elham was screened at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on February 28, drawing an eager audience of students, faculty, and film enthusiasts to the Kennedy Auditorium. Organized by the University Film Club, Cultural Education Centre (CEC), the screening was followed by an engaging filmmaking workshop conducted by the film’s director, Dhruva Harsh.
Elham has earned accolades at prestigious film festivals such as the Dhaka International Film Festival, Rainbow International Film Festival (London), International Film Festival of Shimla, Kolkata International Children`s Film Festival, and the ongoing Jagran Film Festival across multiple cities. Set against the backdrop of Eid festivities in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, the film tells a deeply emotional story of a young boy, Faizan, and his goat, Dodu, who has been brought home for ceremonial sacrifice. The narrative delves into themes of childhood innocence, faith, and emotional conflict.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Elham, Harsh shared, “As a child, I had an unwavering belief in God, but I also formed strong bonds with animals. I can still recall the heartbreak of losing pets-moments that shaped my understanding of love, loss, and faith. That’s what I wanted to capture in Elham-a child’s perspective, pure and unfiltered.” He further explained how childhood experiences and his exposure to global cinema, particularly the works of Kim Ki-duk, influenced his storytelling.
Following the screening, an interactive session encouraged attendees to reflect on the film’s themes and the power of cinema in shaping perspectives. Audience members engaged in discussions about the intersection of tradition, personal beliefs, and emotional dilemmas, with many sharing how the film resonated with them on a personal level.
‘Elham’ Director Dhruva Harsh Conducting a Virtual Filmmaking Workshop at AMU
The event continued with a virtual workshop led by Harsh, where he shared insights into filmmaking, covering key aspects like scriptwriting, cinematography, direction, and editing. Stressing the importance of authenticity in storytelling, he remarked, “Cinema is not just about entertainment; it’s about making people feel something real. Every frame should carry truth, every story should reflect life.” His session provided aspiring filmmakers with invaluable guidance, leaving them inspired to explore their own creative visions.
Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan, Coordinator, CEC, welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of cinema as a medium of expression. The event was led by Dr. Fazila Shahnawaz, President of the University Film Club, with the dedicated efforts of Mohd Salman, Secretary, and the organizing team.
Dhruva Harsh, an ICSSR fellow pursuing post-doctoral research at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has made significant contributions to both cinema and academia. Holding a PhD from the University of Allahabad, he has presented his work at renowned institutions such as Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Allahabad University, and AMU. His notable films include Honourable Mention, Harshit (inspired by Hamlet), and Do I Exist: A Riddle, which explores themes of existentialism based on René Descartes` “I think, therefore I am” and Buddhist philosophy.
Currently, Harsh is preparing for the release of The Last Sketch, a film shedding light on the lives of hand-pulled rickshaw pullers in Kolkata. Expressing his gratitude to AMU, he said, “I had long wished to screen Elham at AMU because I value genuine feedback from audiences who understand layered storytelling. Thank you to the Cultural Education Centre for this wonderful opportunity.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Syed Zainab Rais, acknowledging the contributions of Dhruva Harsh, the University Film Club team, and all participants. The University Film Club remains committed to fostering cinematic appreciation and creative exploration at AMU, with plans for more such enriching screenings and workshops in the future.
