Gangtok, March 20 A masterclass by Imtiaz Ali was one of the major highlights of the Sikkim International Film Festival on its opening day, with the renowned filmmaker sharing his insights into the intricacies of filmmaking and storytelling with the audience.
During the session on 'The Craft of Directing and Screenwriting' on Thursday, Ali elaborated on the importance of pre-production, describing it as a crucial stage that shapes the narrative and execution of a film.
Reflecting on his own body of work, Ali highlighted the varying approaches to filmmaking, noting that a film like 'Rockstar' required extended shooting schedules, while 'Highway' was completed in a comparatively shorter span.
A statement from the Information and Public Relations Department said that Ali emphasized his preference for a free-flowing style of filmmaking, stating that he does not usually adhere to any fixed pattern in his creative process.
Ali also praised the efforts of the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, for organizing the film festival.
He remarked that one of his key motivations for attending the event was to build connections in Sikkim and expressed hope of returning to the state to shoot a film.
The renowned filmmaker also shared his interest in collaborating with local talents and exploring stories rooted in the Northeast.
The filmmaker was also felicitated during the event by the Asian Anime and Manga Academy based in Pakyong.