Kochi: A film production house in Kochi has come up with a short film depicting sensitivity and insight of the Christmas season. The world premiere of the 26-minute feature film is scheduled for Sunday at Don Bosco IMAGE Vennala Kochi.
The film Feliz Navidad (Happy Christmas) “is a simple Christmas story with uncommon sensitivity and insight,” says award winning director of the film Fr Jiji Kalavanal, who claims the film “is one of my best productions thus far.”“I waited for four years for an ideal cast and a producer,” he added.
A Salesian province of Kolkata Youth department production, under the patronage of the provincial Fr Thomas Ellicherail president of Social Communications Commission of Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia, the film also marks the platinum jubilee of Don Bosco School Liluah in Howrah district.“Plans are afoot to dub the film in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Santali languages,” says Rector of Don Bosco Liluah Fr Biji Thomas.Fr Kalavanal narrates film’s story line saying, “The word Christmas conjures up in the minds of people, especially children, the celebration of a birth, a divine birth — an annual rejuvenation. The stars, the cakes, the cribs, the gifts the exchange of greetings, the midnight mass and so on bring in so much of positive energy for them.”In Feliz Navidad, two children, Danny, and Dora are trying to come to terms with the fact that the upcoming Christmas will not be an occasion for any great celebration. It could be jaded like the previous year’s paper star they dig up from a box, because their mother cannot afford to buy them a new one.Their mother works in an antiques shop and the salary she draws is hardly enough to make both ends meet. Add to that, their father had gone missing for some time.The story begins just a few days before Christmas and unfolds through a series of well-conceived events that keep the viewer gripped.In the happy-ending tale, the story teller rightly does not make miracles happen. It has only those surprises one may experience in one’s life and the viewer will easily empathize with the plight of the characters.
From the moment the children decide to have suppressed celebrations to the moment they are jolted awake to have wild celebrations in their minds — the story has it all.As happy stars twinkle in the minds of the characters, viewers heave a sigh of happy relief.