With the spotlight on the theme of 'Forests for life', the event will showcase old problems, new challenges, achievements and failures. The festival will see an all new focus on Asia through films made by Asian directors in the Asian Panorama section.

Discussions will also be held on the subjects of these films.

A notable feature of the festival will be a retrospective of British filmmakers Doug Allan and Richard Brock. To add a touch of excitement to the proceedings, a special underwater filming workshop is to be conducted by Allan, the principal cameraman for BBC's award-winning series Blue Planet. Another attraction will be a workshop on e-journalism.

Organised by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), the event will also witness the 13th Congress of the International Federation of Environment Journalists (IFEJ) on 'Human-wildlife conflict and sustainable development'.

Sharing his views on the festival is Shyam Benegal, renowned filmmaker and chairperson of the jury. To quote him, "It is wonderful to see such dedication and commitment. It only goes to bolster my belief that no worthwhile development is possible without paying long term and continuing attention to the well being and to the environment in which we live."

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent