In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

BENGALURU: Hombale Films, the acclaimed production house behind cinematic hits like KGF, Kantara, and Salaar, has announced a landmark collaboration with RV University’s teen and youth film festival, Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025 to foster and support emerging filmmaking talent across India. TIFA 2025, India’s largest teen and youth film festival, is poised to achieve new milestones through this collaboration.

The festival will award cash prizes and scholarships worth Rupees Three lakhs, and most notably, offer five promising filmmakers the chance to develop their projects with Hombale Films. This collaboration bridges the gap between aspiring talent and the professional film industry, providing invaluable real-world experience and mentorship. 

This collaboration signifies a substantial investment in the future of Indian cinema, offering aspiring young creators unprecedented opportunities to showcase their abilities and realize their cinematic aspirations.

TIFA, hosted by the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts (SoFMCA) at RV University, Bengaluru, is back for its fourth edition, and it is bigger and better than ever before. This unique film festival initiative, "of the students, by the students, and for student filmmakers," is a platform to recognize and celebrate excellence and creativity in filmmaking by school and university students from across the globe.  

haluve Gowda, Co-founder of Hombale Films, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "TIFA is a remarkable platform for young filmmakers, experiencing significant growth each year. We at Hombale Films are delighted to partner with TIFA to further expand its impact. In demonstration of our commitment, we will select at least 4-5 exceptional young filmmakers from the TIFA submissions and offer them opportunities to create films with Hombale Films. We extend our best wishes to TIFA 2025 and eagerly anticipate a wealth of creative submissions."

Adding to the significance of the event, Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor of RV University congratulated the TIFA 2025 team and emphasized the importance of socially conscious filmmaking. "The young filmmakers should come forward and make films on peace and harmony," he stated, encouraging creators to use their platform to promote positive social messages. “The future depends on our ability to address critical issues like environmental degradation and social discord. Through the Teen Indie Film Awards, we have the platform to empower young filmmakers to tell stories that promote environmental responsibility, advocate for peace, and champion harmony. I trust that the SoFMCA faculty will guide them in this important endeavor."

Further reinforcing the university's commitment to nurturing young filmmakers, Dean and Professor, Dr. Piyush Roy of the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts stated, "SoFMCA is dedicated to the success of young minds, encouraging them to create films and showcase their talent and skills. We are striving to provide a platform for them to thrive."

The alliance between Hombale Films and TIFA, combined with the university leadership's emphasis on creativity and social responsibility, underscores a shared vision of nurturing creativity and empowering young voices in cinema. By providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and gain industry exposure, this partnership is poised to shape the future of Indian filmmaking. 

Interested candidates can submit their entries till 14 March 2025 through email, google form or filmfreeway and the details can be found on https://rvu.edu.in/tifa-2025/  

For further information regarding TIFA 2025, submission guidelines, and partnership opportunities, please visit:

About RV University (RVU):

Backed by the 85-year-rich legacy of RV Educational Institutions, RV University, which commenced operations in 2021, is a new-age, tech-driven, global university that imparts high- quality liberal education with an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university offers 27 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes in nine academic disciplines: liberal arts and science, design and innovation, film, media and creative arts, business, economics,computer science, engineering, law, executive education and allied healthcare studies. It has partnerships and collaborations with over 180 reputed foreign universities, institutions, and companies. 

About Hombale Films:

Hombale Films is a leading Indian film production company renowned for producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including the KGF franchise, Kantara, and Salaar. Committed to delivering high-quality entertainment, Hombale Films is dedicated to supporting and nurturing emerging talent in the film industry. 

About Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA):

TIFA is India’s largest teen and youth film festival organized by the students of RV University Bengaluru providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their creativity and talent. The festival aims to inspire and empower young storytellers by offering opportunities for recognition, mentorship, and industry exposure.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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