A
relatively new form of storytelling in India, graphic novels are steadily and
surely setting up an interesting trend. National Institute of Design (NID),
along with Alliance Francaise, is going to present the second edition of its
animation festival from October 5, with this idea in focus.
The Graphic Narrative Project will focus on children's content
this year. "It does not mean that graphic novels are only meant for
children. That is a myth which will hopefully shatter in our discussions during
the fest," says Sekhar Mukherjee, head of animation department, NID.
The highlight of the week-long
event will be the presence of one of the animation legends of the world,
Jacques-Remy Girerd, the French producer and owner of the pioneering Folimage
studio. Several of his award winning films, like Raining Cats and Frogs, Mia
and Migoo, and My dear Little Planet, will be screened. An interaction with the
master storyteller is one of the treats lined up for all animation lovers.
"When we speak of heritage status for Ahmedabad, it goes
beyond architecture. There is art and culture that needs quality and caliber
too. NID is always supportive of such endeavours," says Mukherjee. He
suggests that if places like the walled city, the kite museum, Lothal could be
etched in graphic novels, they would become much more appealing and add to the
heritage conservation in the long term. The idea is already being implemented
as Esther David, a renowned city based author, has expressed a desire to
publish a graphic novel on Amdavad (Ahmedabad) by 2013.
Pointing out differences between comic books and graphic novels,
director of Alliance Francaise, Philippe Martin said, "While comics have a
specific size and conventional layout, graphic novels mix different elements
like stories, pictures, drawings and have greater freedom of expression."
Four exhibitions, including one on roles of several people
involved in making an animation film, will be showcased at NID. "Interest
in animation and graphic novels is increasing. Maybe it is due to the lack of
time people have for reading or the flexibility which it represents, but it is
the visual impact that is finding takers," explains Martin. Graphic novels
being available on ipads, smart phones add to the lucrative future.
Source: TOI