On Campus News

Shiv Tandan, a 19 year old engineering student originally from Haryana, India won best film in the 18-25 Film Pitch category of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s international film competition Faith Shorts.

Shiv’s film “The Guide” tackles pre-conceptions about faith head on using humour; the tour guide takes a visitor on a tour through Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, India, on the horizon, Sikh and Hindu temples are also clearly visible. The tour guide gives insights into Islam and its history and it is not until the last scene it is revealed that the guide is in fact a Hindu. The film urges viewers to look beyond simply tolerating other faiths, to respecting and loving them.

Commenting on the news that he’d won his category, Shiv Tandan said: “ I never expected to win! Religion is a big thing in India, and we talk about it a lot anyway, so the topic was close to heart; which is why I suppose I got the determination to do a good job out of it. I learnt a lot from the research I did; much thanks to the wonderful friends and family I’ve been blessed with. I’m really excited! Thank you!”

Faith Shorts is a global film competition run by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation providing young people with the opportunity to express their faith through film. Entries flooded in from Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Argentina, Canada, Pakistan, UK, New Zealand, Lebanon, USA, Nigeria, Singapore, and the Philippines. They were drawn from Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Humanist backgrounds. The themes of the films have been wide ranging from family loss to overcoming adversity, personal devotion and hope.

Anil Kapoor, one of the judges of the competition, in response to Shiv’s film said: “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed watching all these films by young students and filmmakers. I felt honoured that I was one of the judges. It was very difficult to pick a winning film. I want to congratulate Shiv Tandan for making such a wonderful film and winning the 18-25 category. The film depicts how Hinduism has inspired him to have faith and respect for all faiths. The film also depicts the diversity of our country (India).”

Tony Blair, patron of the Faith Foundation and one of the competition judges, said: “I’d like to congratulate Shiv on winning best film in the 18-25 Film Pitch category.

I’ve been deeply inspired by the films I’ve seen. The stories they tell are incredibly powerful, some challenging, others uplifting. They all confront head on the prejudices that so often abound about different religions. I am proud to have been a part of providing these young people with the tools to share their faith with the world and I am sure the films they’ve produced will be a powerful resource in breaking down barriers between different cultures and religions.”