SHILLONG: Aspiring filmmakers crowded into a masterclass on Friday at the first Shillong International Film Festival, where cinematographer Arnab Gayan told students that no shot, no matter how polished, can save a weak story.
“Every creative work must be rooted in a strong and meaningful narrative,” Gayan said during a two-hour session on day two of the festival.
“Reading helps expand imagination and perspective, but life itself is a journey that shapes creativity. Learning doesn’t end with formal education.”
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The festival, now in its opening edition, drew college students from St. Anthony’s College, Martin Luther Christian University, MIT, NEHU and EFLU.
Gayan walked them through visual storytelling, framing and techniques for music videos and feature films, mixing technical advice with anecdotes from his own productions.
The floor opened to questions, how to approach storytelling, how to find a visual language and what to do when a shoot falls apart.
“You figure it out by observing, by borrowing, by trying,” he replied.
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.
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The day also witnessed another interactive session between filmmakers and students, focusing on the complete filmmaking process from conceptualising 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.