New Delhi: CatDog, a diploma film by students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune has won the first prize at Cinéfondation selection, the student’s section of the Cannes Film Festival of 2020. This was the only Indian entry to the awards, and competed with 1,952 entries from 444 global film schools.The film was made by 2013 batch students of FTII. “It is directed by Ashmita Guha Neogi, and has Prateek Pamecha as Director of Photography, Vinita Negi as Editor, Kushal Nerurkar as Sound Designer and Neeraj Singh as Production Designer,” the institute’s students’ association said in a press release.“It is a point of pride for the students at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Any film getting shortlisted for the Cinéfondation section deserves praise anyway, but CatDog winning the award during such troubling times as these is especially welcome news,” the release continues.The students’ association also says it must be noted that the award-winning film was made despite “continuous institutional harassment” of students by the administration. They also say that the prize belies institute director Bhupendra Kainthola’s claim at the Goa IFFI two years ago, that FTII students were performing badly. In its statement on CatDog, the students’ association has said, “This comment comes at a time when the current administration under the director himself has started many arbitrary practices that directly hinder academics and the welfare of students. With a next to non-existent redressal system, the complaints of the students have also been repeatedly ignored.”Also read: FTII Alumni Condemn Institution’s ‘Antagonistic Attitude’ Towards Students, Faculty“Over the last few years, a blatant disregard for student concerns has been made evident time and time again. From fee hikes every year, to the improper functioning of the Academic Council, the preferential treatment given to the short term courses that charge exorbitant fees, and the systemic assaults on students and their projects, the problems have only escalated,” it continues.“When a film makes its way through all these obstacles and finds its due recognition, it is a cause for celebration for all. In spite of the consistent suppression of voices in the institute, CatDog managed to get out there and prove the worth of the students’ efforts. For that and more, congratulations are in order for the creators of the film,” the students’ association has said.