Written by Kaushik Nath
The organisers of the 5th Film Appreciation Course (FAC), scheduled to be held from July 5 to July 11 at CKB Commerce College, Jorhat, have announced the participation of two distinguished names from Indian cinema, internationally acclaimed sound designer Amrit Pritam and noted filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar.
Their inclusion further strengthens a programme that has already drawn attention for bringing together some of the most respected voices in film criticism, filmmaking and cinematic studies.
Amrit Pritam, whose work has earned recognition across national and international platforms, will join the course as a special resource person. Widely regarded as one of India’s leading sound designers, Amrit Pritam has been associated with several landmark productions and is known for his innovative contribution to cinematic sound.
He is a recipient of the prestigious Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) Golden Reel Award, shared with Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, in addition to receiving two Producers Guild of India–Apsara Awards.
Over the years, his contribution to the craft has also been recognised by the governments of Assam, Goa and Maharashtra, reflecting the wide appreciation of his work within the Indian film fraternity. Participants in the course are expected to gain valuable insights into the often-overlooked yet crucial role of sound in storytelling and film aesthetics through his sessions.
Joining him will be Haobam Paban Kumar, one of the most acclaimed contemporary filmmakers from Manipur. Known for his distinctive cinematic language and deep engagement with social, cultural and environmental themes, Paban Kumar has established himself as a prominent voice in independent Indian cinema.
His films and documentaries have been showcased at numerous national and international film festivals, earning critical acclaim for their artistic depth and sensitivity.
His debut feature film, Loktak Lairembee (Lady of the Lake), brought him national recognition after winning the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation at the 64th National Film Awards in 2017. The film was praised for its nuanced portrayal of ecological concerns surrounding the Loktak Lake ecosystem and remains an important work in contemporary environmental cinema.
The presence of Amrit Pritam and Haobam Paban Kumar complements an already impressive lineup led by noted film critic and FIPRESCI member Dr Pranjal Borah, Course Director of the programme, and eminent film critic, curator and festival personality Premendra Mazumdar, who will serve as Chief Guest, Mentor and Resource Person.
Organised jointly by People’s Alliance for Change and Empowerment (PACE), Assam Film Society, Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI) and the CKB Commerce College Film Society, the week-long course aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of cinema as an art form, cultural medium and tool of social engagement.
With the addition of these nationally and internationally recognised film professionals, the 5th Film Appreciation Course is poised to become one of the most significant film-learning initiatives in the region, offering aspiring filmmakers, students, cinephiles and scholars a rare opportunity to interact directly with accomplished practitioners from diverse fields of cinema.