An intimate discussion between the father-son combination of filmmakers from two distinct eras: the legendary Muzaffar Ali and the renowned filmmaker, his son, Shaad Ali. The conversation looks at the evolution of Indian cinema along with culture, juxtaposing the classic, deeply rooted, and poetic storytelling of the older era with the fast-paced, contemporary, and commercial sensibilities of today. It explores how shifting social and artistic contexts have influenced the narratives, aesthetics, and overall approach to filmmaking across the generations.
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.
India as the Host Country Meets Focus & Partner countries through trilateral dialogue with leading film industry figures from India (Host), Japan (Country of Focus), and Australia (Partner Country) for a focused discussion on sustainability and tracing the path of sustainable storytelling across the globe. The session will explore how nations are working towards green production practices, resource efficiency, and informative storytelling across the region. This session will help to learn the power of film as a medium to drive public awareness and global action on environmental and social sustainability goals.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra shares his expertise on crafting timeless cinema, delving into the art and emotion of filmmaking. With a career spanning decades and films like 1942: A Love Story, Parinda, and 3 Idiots, Chopra brings a wealth of knowledge on storytelling, direction, and the nuances of filmmaking. Participants can expect to gain insights into Chopra's creative process, learn about the importance of emotional resonance in storytelling, and understand the technical aspects of filmmaking that bring stories to life. This masterclass promises to be an invaluable experience for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
This international dialogue features the collision of creative perspectives from world's most influential film festival personalities: Ms. Tricia Tuttle, Festival Director of the Berlinale, and filmmaker Mr. Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI (International Film Festival of India). The discussion will explore AI's impact on filmmaking, storytelling, distribution, and the very future of film festivals in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Adishakti, under the guidance of guru Veenapani Chawla and Vinayakumar , 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 each emotion is governed by certain patterns of breath in the human body. Inspired by ancient knowledge systems such as ayurvedic practices to koodiyattam performances, Neurobiology to mathematics, circadian clock to space and time, this session aims to introduce the anatomy of human emotion in life and in performances.
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.
This panel discusses the integral and evolving roles of women in contemporary global cinema, particularly within the independent film industry. The discussion spotlights the significant thematic and creative contributions made by women filmmakers, actors, and technicians. By examining independent cinema, the panel demonstrates how women are actively shaping more nuanced, diverse, and globally resonant narratives, moving beyond traditional representations.
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.
This musical retrospective is a tribute to celebrate the centenary of the legend, a renowned actor and director Mr. Guru Dutt. Dastan-E-Guru Dutt is a lyrical journey into the life and films of one of Indian cinema’s most enigmatic storytellers - Guru Dutt. Through the evocative narration of Fouzia Dastango, India’s first female Dastango, this soulful musical brings alive the timeless magic of the filmmaker whose 1957 film, Pyaasa stands alongside Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy (1959) in Time magazine’s list of the 100 greatest films ever made. Based on research by Asha Batra, the ensemble is presented by a team composed of Latika Jain, Vikas Jalan and Cinemaazi, a research centre of Goa based Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation.
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.
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 session 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.
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.
Oscar-winning Special Effects Maestro Christopher Charles Corbould OBE joins for an In Conversation session where he reveals the secrets behind cinema's greatest on-screen moments. This will be an exploration to his incredible career, which spans an unprecedented involvement in the James Bond franchise—from designing the practical explosions of classics like GoldenEye and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest film stunt explosion in Spectre—to orchestrating the stunning vehicle stunts, like the iconic truck flip in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. To learn the fine art of combining SFX, real-world stunts, and massive spectacle with technical ingenuity, offering a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing jaw-dropping visions to life safely and spectacularly.
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.
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!
VFX maestro Pete Draper delivers a deep dive into the entire visual effects pipeline, from pre-production to post-production. Behind the secrets of on-set planning and execution, the speaker is the brainiac behind global blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and Eega. This session will be filled with lessons from over 25 years of industry experience on Indian and International films.
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.
Celebrating 50 years of Sholay, the iconic film that redefined Indian cinema! This session explores the enduring magic of the film, its cinematic techniques, unforgettable characters, and dialogues that have become part of our culture once which still echoes. This conversation discusses how Sholay's timeless themes of friendship, revenge, and justice continue to captivate audiences across generations, cementing its legacy as a ‘Classic’.
The resurgence of actor Bobby Deol, powered by his entry into OTT streaming platforms, will be the focus for this In Conversation session. This discussion critically analyzes how the shift from films like Barsaat and Soldier to acclaimed OTT series, Class of '83 and Aashram, provided Mr. Deol with the opportunity to experiment with diverse and complex roles. This move effectively proved his versatility extends far beyond his romantic hero image. The topic offers key insights into his compelling portrayal of nuanced, challenging characters on these platforms, demonstrating how he has successfully challenged traditional Bollywood archetypes and redefined his cinematic identity as a versatile character actor in the digital age.
Tom Hanks of India’, Mr. Aamir Khan, whose films always go beyond mere entertainment to social messages will be conversing on the topic ‘The Narrative Architect of the Social Transformation’. He utilizes the power of compelling storytelling to meticulously craft narratives like Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, PK,Sitaare Zameen Par and others that illuminate and challenge deeply ingrained societal norms, injustices, and taboos. His films don't just reflect society; they are intentional catalysts designed to initiate public rethinking and to inspire real-world change. This conversation will travel into the specific cinematic strategies and thoughtful approach he employs to become such a powerful and effective force for social good.
An intimate discussion between the father-son combination of filmmakers from two distinct eras: the legendary Muzaffar Ali and the renowned filmmaker, his son, Shaad Ali. The conversation looks at the evolution of Indian cinema along with culture, juxtaposing the classic, deeply rooted, and poetic storytelling of the older era with the fast-paced, contemporary, and commercial sensibilities of today. It explores how shifting social and artistic contexts have influenced the narratives, aesthetics, and overall approach to filmmaking across the generations.
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.
India as the Host Country Meets Focus & Partner countries through trilateral dialogue with leading film industry figures from India (Host), Japan (Country of Focus), and Australia (Partner Country) for a focused discussion on sustainability and tracing the path of sustainable storytelling across the globe. The session will explore how nations are working towards green production practices, resource efficiency, and informative storytelling across the region. This session will help to learn the power of film as a medium to drive public awareness and global action on environmental and social sustainability goals.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra shares his expertise on crafting timeless cinema, delving into the art and emotion of filmmaking. With a career spanning decades and films like 1942: A Love Story, Parinda, and 3 Idiots, Chopra brings a wealth of knowledge on storytelling, direction, and the nuances of filmmaking. Participants can expect to gain insights into Chopra's creative process, learn about the importance of emotional resonance in storytelling, and understand the technical aspects of filmmaking that bring stories to life. This masterclass promises to be an invaluable experience for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
This international dialogue features the collision of creative perspectives from world's most influential film festival personalities: Ms. Tricia Tuttle, Festival Director of the Berlinale, and filmmaker Mr. Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI (International Film Festival of India). The discussion will explore AI's impact on filmmaking, storytelling, distribution, and the very future of film festivals in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Adishakti, under the guidance of guru Veenapani Chawla and Vinayakumar , 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 each emotion is governed by certain patterns of breath in the human body. Inspired by ancient knowledge systems such as ayurvedic practices to koodiyattam performances, Neurobiology to mathematics, circadian clock to space and time, this session aims to introduce the anatomy of human emotion in life and in performances.
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.
This panel discusses the integral and evolving roles of women in contemporary global cinema, particularly within the independent film industry. The discussion spotlights the significant thematic and creative contributions made by women filmmakers, actors, and technicians. By examining independent cinema, the panel demonstrates how women are actively shaping more nuanced, diverse, and globally resonant narratives, moving beyond traditional representations.
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.
This musical retrospective is a tribute to celebrate the centenary of the legend, a renowned actor and director Mr. Guru Dutt. Dastan-E-Guru Dutt is a lyrical journey into the life and films of one of Indian cinema’s most enigmatic storytellers - Guru Dutt. Through the evocative narration of Fouzia Dastango, India’s first female Dastango, this soulful musical brings alive the timeless magic of the filmmaker whose 1957 film, Pyaasa stands alongside Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy (1959) in Time magazine’s list of the 100 greatest films ever made. Based on research by Asha Batra, the ensemble is presented by a team composed of Latika Jain, Vikas Jalan and Cinemaazi, a research centre of Goa based Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation.
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.
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 session 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.
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.
Oscar-winning Special Effects Maestro Christopher Charles Corbould OBE joins for an In Conversation session where he reveals the secrets behind cinema's greatest on-screen moments. This will be an exploration to his incredible career, which spans an unprecedented involvement in the James Bond franchise—from designing the practical explosions of classics like GoldenEye and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest film stunt explosion in Spectre—to orchestrating the stunning vehicle stunts, like the iconic truck flip in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. To learn the fine art of combining SFX, real-world stunts, and massive spectacle with technical ingenuity, offering a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing jaw-dropping visions to life safely and spectacularly.
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.
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!
VFX maestro Pete Draper delivers a deep dive into the entire visual effects pipeline, from pre-production to post-production. Behind the secrets of on-set planning and execution, the speaker is the brainiac behind global blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and Eega. This session will be filled with lessons from over 25 years of industry experience on Indian and International films.
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.
Celebrating 50 years of Sholay, the iconic film that redefined Indian cinema! This session explores the enduring magic of the film, its cinematic techniques, unforgettable characters, and dialogues that have become part of our culture once which still echoes. This conversation discusses how Sholay's timeless themes of friendship, revenge, and justice continue to captivate audiences across generations, cementing its legacy as a ‘Classic’.
The resurgence of actor Bobby Deol, powered by his entry into OTT streaming platforms, will be the focus for this In Conversation session. This discussion critically analyzes how the shift from films like Barsaat and Soldier to acclaimed OTT series, Class of '83 and Aashram, provided Mr. Deol with the opportunity to experiment with diverse and complex roles. This move effectively proved his versatility extends far beyond his romantic hero image. The topic offers key insights into his compelling portrayal of nuanced, challenging characters on these platforms, demonstrating how he has successfully challenged traditional Bollywood archetypes and redefined his cinematic identity as a versatile character actor in the digital age.
Tom Hanks of India’, Mr. Aamir Khan, whose films always go beyond mere entertainment to social messages will be conversing on the topic ‘The Narrative Architect of the Social Transformation’. He utilizes the power of compelling storytelling to meticulously craft narratives like Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, PK,Sitaare Zameen Par and others that illuminate and challenge deeply ingrained societal norms, injustices, and taboos. His films don't just reflect society; they are intentional catalysts designed to initiate public rethinking and to inspire real-world change. This conversation will travel into the specific cinematic strategies and thoughtful approach he employs to become such a powerful and effective force for social good.
