Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) The Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI), the only institution for formal film education in Manipur under the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, on Saturday wrapped up a successful week-long Screenplay Writing course.
Led by acclaimed film education expert Professor Shyamal Sengupta, the masterclass ran from May 5th to 11th, 2024, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds within the filmmaking industry. Professor Sengupta, former Dean of Faculty at the esteemed Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, brought his extensive experience to the course, covering narrative structure, character development, dialogue crafting, and storytelling techniques.
With approximately 40 enthusiastic learners and 8 observers, the workshop marked a pioneering initiative in the state’s film education spectrum. Alexander Leo Pou, Director of MSFTI, highlighted the importance of such masterclasses in equipping participants with the necessary skills to excel in screenplay writing.
The valedictory function, held at the Palace Auditorium, saw Commissioner of Art and Culture, M. Joy Singh, honoring successful participants and commending Professor Sengupta’s contribution. During the ceremony, Professor Sengupta envisioned a promising future for MSFTI, emphasizing its potential to become a conceptually driven, high-quality film institute without extensive infrastructure.
Participants expressed gratitude for the enriching experience, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in advancing filmmaking knowledge. Looking ahead, MSFTI announced plans for a month-long Film Appreciation Course slated to commence in June, further solidifying its commitment to formalizing film education in Manipur.
