Exploring nature and analysing environmental issues through the audiovisual medium, CMS VATAVARAN draws on film to promote space for environmental issues in public media. The festival provides an opportunity to converge, bringing people together to become participants and partners in preservation and conservation efforts through the medium of film to initiate dialogue and public debate. Conceived in 2002, the competitive film festival is held every alternate year to attract entries from independent filmmakers, production houses, animators, broadcast networks, organisations, journalists, students, educational institutions, etc. working on issues related to the environment and wildlife. The winning and select other films from each competitive festival then become part of CMS VATAVARAN's travelling film festival the following year (for details on specific dates, etc., click here). Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are key tools used to share these films and action messages with a broader, global audience.

On another level, CMS VATAVARAN is conceived of as a platform for advocacy. CMS VATAVARAN describes itself as a movement spotlighting issues of local, regional and national concern and creating a dialogue between and amongst various stakeholders. It is a vehicle for galvanising civil society initiatives and a platform for provoking the larger public and opinion making process.

Events held in conjunction with the festival itself draw on interpersonal exchanges to facilitate such a platform, and to foster learning and networking. For instance, among the events planned for the 2007 competitive festival are: workshops, panel discussions, and open forums on conservation and other issues; technical sessions with a master documentary filmmaker; expert talks by well-known filmmakers, conservationists, and environmentalists; a "techno mart", organic food mart, and film bazaar; and a photographic exhibition.

Environment.

CMS is an independent professional forum engaged in research, policy advocacy, capacity building, advisory services, public opinion research, and programme evaluation in the areas of communication, social development and environment. The organisation contends that "films on wildlife and environment are not only relevant as works of art, but also are important as a historical and scientific documentation. Independent films on important livelihood issues have a special relevance in developing countries. These genres of films are also the voice of the voiceless millions, narrating tales that have never been told." Looking ahead to future festivals, CMS is working to bring in films from the rest of Asia, extending part of competition to the world, even while keeping the focus largely on India.

In its fourth competitive year, CMS VATAVARAN will be held in the national capital, New Delhi, from September 12-16 2007. New initiatives for the 2007 festival include recognising achievements in technical excellence, introducing of an International Competitive Category (honouring the world’s most outstanding documentaries on natural world or conservation theme), and offering of the Forum for Environmental Journalists of India (FEJI) Young Environmental Journalist Award. The 2007 festival will highlight climate change and its implications by making it the festival theme.

CMS VATAVARAN is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).