November 21st, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

The Luminary Icons: Creative Bonds and Fierce Performances -An Inconversational Workshop on Acting

Two iconic actors, Khushboo Sundar and Suhasini Maniratnam, will share their professional wisdom by focusing on the creative chemistry and intensity required for powerful screen acting, exploring the subtle dynamics of performances. This session delves into the unspoken bonds and fierce commitment behind cinematic excellence. It offers aspiring artists an invaluable look into the techniques and collaborative spirit of veteran actors discussing their journeys and experiences in cinema.

November 22nd, 2025

Navigating the Digital Landscape and Global Audiences : Festival Director's Round Table

The Festival Director's Round Table focuses on how film festivals are adapting to the modern media environment, specifically examining the dual role of digital technology as both a challenge and an opportunity for expanding storytelling possibilities and audience engagement. They will discuss the role of festivals in preserving cinema as an art form, acting as vital platforms for cultural exchange, amplifying diverse narratives, and implementing strategies to effectively reach and connect with global audiences.

November 22nd, 2025

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Breath and Emotion : A Masterclass on Performances by the Theater Guru Mr. Vinayakumar Adishakti

Adishakti has evolved a purely physical craft for the stimulation of emotion and psychological expression. As breath is the physical expression of thought and emotion, it implies that a particular emotion has a particular pattern of breath. In Koodiyattam practice, there existed the knowledge of 8 patterns of breath corresponding to the 8 emotions mentioned in the classical Sanskrit treatise on performance, the Natya Shastra. It is apparent that this codification emerges from a study of breath behaviour in everyday life. 

November 23rd, 2025

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk : The Rhythms of India: From the Himalayas to the Deccan

This session is a heartfelt annual tribute to the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar. This year's session is a cross-cultural musical dialogue between Vishal Bhardwaj and B. Ajaneesh Loknath, exploring the vast musicalscape of India. By indulging into the influences of Hindustani, Carnatic, Folk, Pop and Indi music which expanded from the Himalayas to the Deccan. The renowned composers mesmerise the audience through their journey from 'Theek Nahi Lagta' to 'Kantara' explaining the soulful unison of music.

November 23rd, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

The Actor Prepares: A Masterclass by Anupam Kher

This Masterclass details the process of harnessing personal experience and emotional truth to create authentic, compelling on-screen performances. The discussion offers practical tips on voice, body language, and scene work, bridging the gap between acting discipline and film requirements.

November 24th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

From Mind to Screen: Vision to Execution - An Editing workshop

This Workshop offers an intensive dive into the art and technical process of post-production, guiding how to seamlessly translate a director's raw vision into a polished and compelling final cut. This session focuses equally on the technical mastery of software and the creative principles behind visual storytelling, including the psychology of rhythm, pacing, and using advanced non-linear techniques to build emotional arcs and narrative meaning.

November 24th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Unlocking the Archives: Redefining Cinematic History through Restoration - Case study on Mahabharatha

This topic examines how film restoration redefines cinematic history and cultural heritage of India. Using the 8K restoration of Peter Brook's 1989 film, The Mahabharata, as a case study, it explores the technical, legal, and artistic challenges of bringing archival work back to contemporary audiences. The speaker views the ancient epic's themes as tragically relevant to the modern world, especially its profound messages about conflict, morality, and the value of the Earth. The discussion analyzes the film's renewed relevance in a global context and how restoration ensures the preservation and reinterpretation of epic narratives for future generations.

November 25th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Through the Lens: Crafting Emotion in Every Frame

This session is dedicated to mastering the art of visual capture by adjusting the technicality of camera operation, building the impact of the image. This session focuses on how cinematographers effectively craft emotion by intentionally manipulating core visual elements like lighting, color, composition, and lens choice. Participants get an opportunity to learn how to make every single frame as a narrative tool, ensuring the visual style supports and amplifies the intended mood, character perspective, and thematic message of the film.

November 26th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Costume and Character Arc: The Trendsetters of Cinema

How costume design not only visually builds a character's physical and emotional world but also shapes his/her transformation through the narrative. The discussion analyzes the deliberate and meticulous choices designers make that empower the storytelling!

November 26th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

Beyond the thumb - The Role of a Film Critic: A Gate Keeper, An Influencer or Something Else?

This discussion seeks to define the modern function of a film critic in an age of instant reviews and user-generated content. It will explore whether the critic remains a Gate Keeper for quality, or a simple Influencer driving public consumption, or if their true value lies in a different capacity. The discussion aims to reposition the critic's value, focusing on their ability to foster deeper audience engagement and critical thinking.

November 26th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

Beyond the Algorithm: Cinema’s Human Heart in AI world

The role of AI vs human emotion and creativity in filmmaking's future will be the intention of this session. It delves into how cinema's core humanity resists algorithmic content automation. Join the Masterclass to discover the challenges and opportunities for storytellers in an increasingly AI-driven media landscape, the discussion on preserving the soul of cinema against technological shifts.

November 27th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

New North East Cinema and Film Schools

This topic analyses the emerging new wave of filmmakers from Indian film schools, particularly those from the Northeast region. It examines how these institutions serve as a crucible for unique voices, bringing fresh perspectives and narratives to Indian cinema. The discussion focuses on the impact and rise to prominence of these directors on the Indian cinematic landscape.

November 21st, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

The Luminary Icons: Creative Bonds and Fierce Performances -An Inconversational Workshop on Acting

Two iconic actors, Khushboo Sundar and Suhasini Maniratnam, will share their professional wisdom by focusing on the creative chemistry and intensity required for powerful screen acting, exploring the subtle dynamics of performances. This session delves into the unspoken bonds and fierce commitment behind cinematic excellence. It offers aspiring artists an invaluable look into the techniques and collaborative spirit of veteran actors discussing their journeys and experiences in cinema.

November 22nd, 2025

Navigating the Digital Landscape and Global Audiences : Festival Director's Round Table

The Festival Director's Round Table focuses on how film festivals are adapting to the modern media environment, specifically examining the dual role of digital technology as both a challenge and an opportunity for expanding storytelling possibilities and audience engagement. They will discuss the role of festivals in preserving cinema as an art form, acting as vital platforms for cultural exchange, amplifying diverse narratives, and implementing strategies to effectively reach and connect with global audiences.

November 22nd, 2025

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Breath and Emotion : A Masterclass on Performances by the Theater Guru Mr. Vinayakumar Adishakti

Adishakti has evolved a purely physical craft for the stimulation of emotion and psychological expression. As breath is the physical expression of thought and emotion, it implies that a particular emotion has a particular pattern of breath. In Koodiyattam practice, there existed the knowledge of 8 patterns of breath corresponding to the 8 emotions mentioned in the classical Sanskrit treatise on performance, the Natya Shastra. It is apparent that this codification emerges from a study of breath behaviour in everyday life. 

November 23rd, 2025

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk : The Rhythms of India: From the Himalayas to the Deccan

This session is a heartfelt annual tribute to the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar. This year's session is a cross-cultural musical dialogue between Vishal Bhardwaj and B. Ajaneesh Loknath, exploring the vast musicalscape of India. By indulging into the influences of Hindustani, Carnatic, Folk, Pop and Indi music which expanded from the Himalayas to the Deccan. The renowned composers mesmerise the audience through their journey from 'Theek Nahi Lagta' to 'Kantara' explaining the soulful unison of music.

November 23rd, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

The Actor Prepares: A Masterclass by Anupam Kher

This Masterclass details the process of harnessing personal experience and emotional truth to create authentic, compelling on-screen performances. The discussion offers practical tips on voice, body language, and scene work, bridging the gap between acting discipline and film requirements.

November 24th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

From Mind to Screen: Vision to Execution - An Editing workshop

This Workshop offers an intensive dive into the art and technical process of post-production, guiding how to seamlessly translate a director's raw vision into a polished and compelling final cut. This session focuses equally on the technical mastery of software and the creative principles behind visual storytelling, including the psychology of rhythm, pacing, and using advanced non-linear techniques to build emotional arcs and narrative meaning.

November 24th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Unlocking the Archives: Redefining Cinematic History through Restoration - Case study on Mahabharatha

This topic examines how film restoration redefines cinematic history and cultural heritage of India. Using the 8K restoration of Peter Brook's 1989 film, The Mahabharata, as a case study, it explores the technical, legal, and artistic challenges of bringing archival work back to contemporary audiences. The speaker views the ancient epic's themes as tragically relevant to the modern world, especially its profound messages about conflict, morality, and the value of the Earth. The discussion analyzes the film's renewed relevance in a global context and how restoration ensures the preservation and reinterpretation of epic narratives for future generations.

November 25th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Through the Lens: Crafting Emotion in Every Frame

This session is dedicated to mastering the art of visual capture by adjusting the technicality of camera operation, building the impact of the image. This session focuses on how cinematographers effectively craft emotion by intentionally manipulating core visual elements like lighting, color, composition, and lens choice. Participants get an opportunity to learn how to make every single frame as a narrative tool, ensuring the visual style supports and amplifies the intended mood, character perspective, and thematic message of the film.

November 26th, 2025

2:30 PM

4:00 PM

Costume and Character Arc: The Trendsetters of Cinema

How costume design not only visually builds a character's physical and emotional world but also shapes his/her transformation through the narrative. The discussion analyzes the deliberate and meticulous choices designers make that empower the storytelling!

November 26th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

Beyond the thumb - The Role of a Film Critic: A Gate Keeper, An Influencer or Something Else?

This discussion seeks to define the modern function of a film critic in an age of instant reviews and user-generated content. It will explore whether the critic remains a Gate Keeper for quality, or a simple Influencer driving public consumption, or if their true value lies in a different capacity. The discussion aims to reposition the critic's value, focusing on their ability to foster deeper audience engagement and critical thinking.

November 26th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

Beyond the Algorithm: Cinema’s Human Heart in AI world

The role of AI vs human emotion and creativity in filmmaking's future will be the intention of this session. It delves into how cinema's core humanity resists algorithmic content automation. Join the Masterclass to discover the challenges and opportunities for storytellers in an increasingly AI-driven media landscape, the discussion on preserving the soul of cinema against technological shifts.

November 27th, 2025

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

New North East Cinema and Film Schools

This topic analyses the emerging new wave of filmmakers from Indian film schools, particularly those from the Northeast region. It examines how these institutions serve as a crucible for unique voices, bringing fresh perspectives and narratives to Indian cinema. The discussion focuses on the impact and rise to prominence of these directors on the Indian cinematic landscape.