Guwahati: The Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI), the only institution for formal film education in Manipur under the state government’s Department of Art and Culture, on Saturday wrapped up a successful week-long screenplay writing course.
Led by acclaimed film education expert Prof Shyamal Sengupta, the masterclass ran from May 5 to 11, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds within the filmmaking industry. Prof Sengupta, former Dean at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), brought his extensive experience to the course, covering narrative structure, character development, dialogue crafting, and storytelling techniques.
With approximately 40 enthusiastic learners and eight observers, the workshop marked a pioneering initiative in the state’s film education spectrum. Director of MSFTI, Alexander Leo Pou, highlighted the importance of such masterclasses in equipping participants with the necessary skills to excel in screenplay writing.
The valedictory function, held at the Palace Auditorium in the state capital Imphal, saw Commissioner of Art and Culture, M Joy Singh, honouring successful participants and commending Prof Sengupta’s contribution. During the ceremony, Prof Sengupta envisioned a promising future for MSFTI, emphasising its potential to become a conceptually driven, high-quality film institute without extensive infrastructure.
Participants expressed gratitude for the enriching experience, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in advancing filmmaking knowledge. Looking ahead, MSFTI announced plans for a month-long film appreciation course slated to commence in June this year, further solidifying its commitment to formalising film education in Manipur.