In a request to improve the understanding of cinema among media professionals, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, organized an engaging Film Appreciation Course at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The course, titled ‘Reviewing Films: From Critiquing to Reading Cinema’, was carried on the sidelines of the festival and was created only for media representatives attending IFFI.
The course aimed to examine the various aspects of film artistry, focusing on how to examine and analyze films in a more informed and thoughtful manner. Led by well-known experts from FTII, including Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya, Prof. Amlan Chakraborty, and Ms. Malini Desai, the sessions delivered participants with an in-depth understanding of filmmaking styles and the importance of appreciating films outside just watching them.
The course kicked off with a session on ‘Principles of Film Analysis’ by Prof. Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya, who recommended the representatives through the basics of film complaints. This was followed by Prof. Chakraborty’s session on ‘Editing as an Artistic Tool’, where he explained how editing shapes the record and passionate impact of a film. Ms. Malini Desai’s session on ‘Lighting as a Dramatic Tool’ highlighted how lighting can impact mood and storytelling, giving participants a valuable understanding of the specialized elements of filmmaking.
One of the key takeaways from the study was the focus on the deeper meanings implanted within films. Prof. Chakraborty stated, “Film preference is not just about respect but about understanding. Every film is scheduled to influence its audience. Some films stay with you, and you need to ask why.” He also referenced Lapata Ladies, India’s authorized entry for the Oscars 2025, to showcase how films can have sociological matter that goes beyond the surface.
Later, Prof. Bhattacharya led a session saved to the research of short films, delivering valuable advice on understanding short-form cinema and its unique storytelling methods. The session helped media representatives understand how short films differ from characteristic films in terms of structure, pacing, and narrative.
The course was well-received by the participants, with many saying how it improved their understanding of cinema. Shri Pritul Kumar, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), thanked the media representatives for their vibrant participation, underlining the crucial role media plays in advertising films and donating to film culture. He also said that the course would help media professionals achieve a deeper gratitude for films, which would, in turn, improve their ability to write and critique them.
Ms. Smita Vats Sharma, Director General of the West Zone, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighted the importance of the course, stating that it was open to media professionals from across India, including both Goan and all-India representatives. She described that the course was timed during IFFI to make the most of the group of media professionals at the festival.
Joint Director of PIB Mumbai, Sayyid Rabeehashmi, spoke about the need not only to celebrate films but also to delve into their more pleasing details, underlining that film appreciation is key to promoting a better understanding of cinema.
The course also sparked positive feedback from veteran journalists. Ms. Harshita, a journalist from Screen Grafia who has been covering IFFI since 1999, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying it would seriously expand the knowledge of film journalists. Veteran journalist Shri Satyendar Mohan, who has attended IFFI for 4 decades, also found the session very informative, adding that it would help journalists appreciate films at a much deeper level.
The course concluded with a valedictory session, during which certificates were circulated to over 30 media representatives in recognition of their participation. This industry was seen as a priceless step toward improving the media’s wisdom of film appreciation and improving their ability to communicate the nuances of cinema to the broader audience.(PR)