Shillong, March 26: The second day of the 1st Shillong International Film Festival saw enthusiastic participation from college students and filmmakers, with filmmaker Arnab Gayan conducting an in-depth session on cinematography. The session drew a large number of aspiring filmmakers eager to gain practical insights into the craft.
During the masterclass, Gayan delivered an in-depth session on filmmaking, touching on multiple aspects such as visual storytelling, framing, and shooting techniques for both music videos and feature films. He shared practical insights from his own experience in the industry, helping students understand the creative and technical processes involved in filmmaking.
An interactive segment formed a key part of the session, where students engaged directly with Gayan, asking questions and seeking advice on their own creative pursuits. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including how to approach storytelling, the importance of visual language, and the challenges faced during production.
Emphasizing the central role of storytelling, Gayan stated that every creative work must be rooted in a strong and meaningful narrative. He encouraged students to continuously develop their ideas through reading and observation, stressing that learning does not end with formal education. “Reading helps expand imagination and perspective,” he noted, while also describing life itself as a journey that shapes one’s creativity and understanding.
Students from several prominent institutions, including St. Anthony’s College, Martin Luther Christian University, MIT, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), attended the session and actively participated in the discussions.
Apart from the masterclass, the festival also featured screenings of a diverse range of films from different regions and filmmakers. The films screened included Our Home (Eikhoigi Yum) directed by Romi Meitei from Manipur, Kni directed by Kiki Garod, Tang Shiteng Por directed by Cores Marwein, Ka Chithi directed by Simi Khongthiang, Nongshun directed by Kamki Diengdoh and Elizer Bareh, Kok Kok Kokoook directed by Maharshi Kashyap, Deepa Didi directed by Surya Balakrishnan, Chanchisoa directed by Elvachisa Ch Sangma and Dipankar Das, Jingshemphang directed by Tyrel Reuben Lyngdoh, and Agent of Happiness directed by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo. These screenings exposed students to a variety of storytelling styles and cinematic approaches.
The day also witnessed another interactive session between filmmakers and students, focusing on the complete filmmaking process from conceptualizing a story to selecting actors, coordinating with crew members, and executing the final production. Students had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about collaboration and the roles played by different contributors in bringing a film to life.
