EMRC holds filmmaking workshop for aspiring youth in Imphal

The Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) held a six-day workshop on 'Fundamentals of Digital Film-making (cinematography)' here to impart knowledge to aspiring youngsters in the field of film industry.

The workshop was conducted by top filmmakers and documentary makers of the country, including Bharat Nerkar, faculty member of the Department of Cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), who said that he was optimistic about the potential of the participants.

" I am very optimistic. I know about the Manipur in film industry and lots of people are involved in digital making though they have not much knowledge in this field. Because of their enthusiasm and interest, they are making good efforts to make films but the only problem is that they should get exposure to the world cinema," Nerkar said.

Programme coordinator Tejkeshwore said the workshop was initiated keeping in mind the interest of the young participants.

"The reason behind the ongoing of this workshop is to impart the knowledge of digital cinematography to the young participants of Manipur. As we all know that there is no institute as such so we called a resource person from FTII to conduct this kind of workshop here," he said.

Approximately 50 trainees participated at the workshop, which taught them the basics of Cinematography including different shots and lighting.

"I want to become a cinematographer, and, I think, this is a good platform for me to mould and re-shape my ideas. It really helps me to know more about cinematography," Roselin Thokchom, a participant, said.

The Northeast has a lot of cinematic talent, and has even produced some award winning films. The workshop aimed at giving exposure to the interested and aspirating youth, so that they are made equipped to take up filmmaking as a fulltime career.

Even though the state has produced some award winning documentaries, filmmaking is still in its nascent stage.

In 2013, at the 60th National Film Awards, the northeastern film industry bagged seven awards. These films were in three languages- Assamese, Manipuri and Mising.