http://dnasyndication.com/dna/dna_english_news_and_features/Conquering-the-silver-screen/DNMUM322841

Spasiba! VGIK festival

Little did I know that my first short film made in Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute , Kolkata , INDIA would take me to VGIK , one of the prestigious film schools in the world . It was my first time to Moscow. Well it was the first time for most of us but with the presence of our co ordinators and new friends we never felt we were new to the city .Right from receiving us from the airport to taking us around , they were there with us. I remember the times when I would often get mesmerized by the beauty of the city and stop by suddenly to click a picture or two but I was never afraid of getting lost because two pairs of eyes were constantly looking at me . Like a mother never loses sight of her child our co ordinators too didn’t whenever we would go out.

My next pleasant surprise came at the opening ceremony . The grand opening, I would call it and for a student festival I must say its no less than the academy.

I feel privileged to be part of the festival as it gave me a platform to see films all across the world and have the makers right in front. Mot only did I enjoy the screenings , I also learnt and shared my  experiences with other film makers which made my film viewing really worthwhile. However I wished that the masterclasses would be in English , would have attending those aswell .

All work and no play makes John a dull boy ! Am sure we would have got bored just watching films . But the organizers made sure this didn’t happen to us , apart from the opening party and closing party , we did go clubbing and explore the night life in Moscow after the screenings . And not to forget we were in the safe hands of our co ordinators and other students.

What is commendable is the effort put by each and every student to make us feel comfortable and happy . This is what I appreciate and will always be thankfull to VGIK and its organizers and my film school.

-

Most treasured experience...

This definitely deserves a place in my blog. Yes it has been a great and humbling experience to have the legendary and extremely talented Mamata Shankar in my first short film. The journey began with the time I spend at my maternal uncle’s house in Rashbehari , from there came the germ or seed  of this short film. After writing the short film in close association with my mentor / professor , I started meeting various theatre actors. Then one day mustered the courage to call Mamata mam , fixed a meeting , narrated the story and waited for her confirmation .  From the time I steped out from her house , I kept telling myself that I found the main character for my film . I kept my fingers crossed and soon I got the good news . this was a huge boost to myself and the team and alao a pressure to work with an actor so experienced and talented. But when we started shoot we realized that it was so comfortable working with Mamata mam and it seemed that she was one among us. On the last day we were delighted to have finished the shoot but we were saddened that this will be the end of working with one of the most talented actors . Indeed it was a  great learning experience which will always hold a special place in my life. I long for another opportunity like this. I wish to be blessed again.