Changing Perspectives on Filmmaking in India

Posted by AAFT School of Cinema on September 8th, 2017

We all have grown up watching films. Isn't it? A few years back, the idea of studying films would have given us a spank by our parents. But today, with the advent of globalisation and technology (3D, social media, YouTube, etc) the scenario has changed completely. Today film studies is taught as a full-fledged subject in many film schools and universities worldwide, and film students are getting a similar support from their parents like any other medical or engineering student.

Films occupy a dominant place in our society and therefore these ought to be studied seriously. Sometimes we say "we liked a particular film" or "that film was bad" or "the film made us cry". Film studies help us go beyond all such statements by finding out as to why the film made us feel that particular way or what was missing in that film.

Film studies courses provide a laconic introduction to the exciting world of films and helps students to analyze, comprehend and evaluate films. It gives a hands-on learning about film making. As a film student, it is our duty to go beyond the story and study the core i.e. the form of the film and how it is put together.

 

By analyzing the complex nature of films, we can make it easier for others to appreciate films. Considering the high number of films being made in India every year, it becomes imperative to have an overview of the key areas in film studies including:

  • Narrative: the story presented, and the process of narrating that story
  • Genres: classification or categorization of films
  • Cinema aesthetics: philosophy and visual composition

Today, the audience has turned astute as they are regularly fed upon International cinema. Just a normal ‘click’ leads you to entire gamut of films. The increasing awareness, as a result of global cinema, is leading a lot of students to film studies. Other than this, the growing technical expertise, unconventional stories and scripts, experimental shot selection, etc has further facilitated the film-makers to convey their thoughts beyond the conventional territories of cinema. All this has increased the interest of the cinema-goers as well as the film critics.

After learning how to analyze a film, students can make their way ahead as they would, by then, be aware of all the important aspects related to films and can further decide upon their careers in filmmaking.

But it is essential that a proper teaching methodology should be employed while discussing films, including screening of important films (which are termed as Film School Bibles) like Citizen Kane, Psycho, Gone with the Wind, Rashomon, etc, showcasing works of great directors like Welles, Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Ford, Tarantino, Kubrick, etc and discussing minute elements that go unnoticed by a normal film viewer. Not only the teachers, but also the library plays a pivotal role in shaping the film career of the students.

Other skills learned through Film Studies

˗   Interpretation of literary and cultural works (fiction/non-fiction/visual media)

˗   Understanding of socio-political perspectives of film and literature

˗   Conducting independent research including audio-visual and print media

˗   Understanding of language to communicate strongly, etc

There are a lot of filmmaking schools in Delhi NCR offering courses in Film Studies. AAFT School of Cinema has been actively providing academic education and intensive training in films and television production for more than two decades. Located in the media hub, Noida Film City, it gives excellent exposure to students, who dream of pursuing a career in cinematography, video production, acting and photography.

Like it? Share it!


AAFT School of Cinema

About the Author

AAFT School of Cinema
Joined: July 28th, 2017
Articles Posted: 33

More by this author