The 10-day training in basic course in screenplay writing culminated on 29th April 2022 at the Directorate of IPR, Kohima. The online video conferencing training was conducted by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), in collaboration with the Department of Information & Public Relations, the nodal department for films in Nagaland.
Speaking at the valedictory service, Deputy Director, IPR, Siewatho Nyusou extended his appreciation to the Film and Television Institute of India for conducting the free-of-cost training and Associate Professor, Ashwin B Sonone for coordinating the same. He also thanked Sudipto Acharyya, the trainer of the course, for imparting his valuable knowledge and skills to the participants. Nyusou appreciated the participants for actively engaging and learning over the course of the training.
Joint Director, IPR, Asangla Imsong mentioned that as part of the country wide celebrations under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav of Government of India, FTII has decided to advance the cause of film education by conducting online short courses, free of cost, for scheduled tribes participants residing in the State. In January, training in smartphone film making was successfully conducted. She mentioned that courses on Screen Acting and Film Appreciation will be held in the coming days.
Course coordinator, Associate Professor, Ashwin B Sonone praised the participants for the tremendous job adding that the participants from the State have set a very high benchmark. He hoped that works of their works will materialize.
Trainer of the Course, Sudipto Acharyya expressed satisfaction at the progress made by the participants over the course of the training. He stated that it is just the beginning of a journey. Acharyya encouraged them to continue writing, read books and watch films.
Sophy Lasuh, a documentary filmmaker, stated that the training has taught her to think like a writer and not as an individual. She added that it has also taught her to explore possibilities using doubt and not evidence. Sekulu Nyekha, a freelancer, said that the training was very practical where she learnt a lot and through the training she was able to meet film makers from the State and learn from each other. Another participant stated that it was a very good introduction to screenplay writing and being able to do it practically. He added that he was very fortunate to be one of the few individuals to take part in the training.
The participants expressed their appreciation to the resource person for the valuable lessons. They said that it was a great experience with the right guide and helpful tips and hoped for support from the Government in future as well.
The participants were taught on various aspects of screenplay writing, composition, usage of narrative tools and on how to write a story in cinematic language. They were also taught how to use irony, suspense and thrill in their writings.
The trainer of the course was Sudipto Acharyya, who has been working in the television and film industry for over 20 years. Acharyya has also been involved in various teaching and training activities related to films including a tenure as an assistant Professor, Dept. of Film Direction & Screenplay Writing, FTII, Pune. He is currently a Senior Faculty- Direction Department, Head of Affiliations & Academics- Short Course Unit, Whistling Woods International- Mumbai.
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune is an autonomous educational institute under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. Set up in 1960 and operational since 1961, as a premier institution engaged in imparting education in various skills associated with films and television, FTII today ranks among the top 10 film schools in the world.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
