Mumbai: Film critic Anupama Chopra’s company Film Companion and Netflix India have come together to support India’s next generation of storytellers through the ‘Tekten’ programme. Ten finalists of ‘TEKTEN’ participated in an intensive week-long workshop that saw over twenty of India’s finest creative leaders cover various aspects of the filmmaking process. All 10 finalists will now make fully funded short films which will be presented on Netflix India’s YouTube channel.
The finalists were given sessions on editing, production design, screenplay development, music, cinematography, lighting and laying the foundation for short films. Acclaimed professionals like Reema Kagti, Tisca Chopra, Guneet Monga, Neeraj Ghaywan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Kabir Khan, Vishal Dadlani and Shakun Batra guide budding filmmakers during their creative journey.
“Meeting new filmmakers is always exciting, as they hold endless possibilities for all of us involved with films and music within their dreams. These are the people who can very well define how films are made, How the business is run and most importantly, include “what works” music that fits and adds value to the short films.
Reema Kagti, whose session focused on translating ideas into on-screen stories, said, “It was so much fun talking to the ten finalists. I look forward to seeing him create magic through his films!”
Tisca Chopra said, “Netflix and Film Companion have done a great job selecting these young filmmakers. It’s heartening to see that they have such a mature outlook on cinema. I can’t wait to see the films that come with them.” they will make!” His workshop on the power of short films exposed the art form as a means to communicate more with less.
“I’m thrilled that the ‘Tekten’ finalists got to learn from the best in the business and am grateful to all the actors who took the time to inspire a new generation of filmmaking!” Film critic, writer and film associate editor Anupama Chopra said.
The finalists of ‘TakeTen’ are Barkha Naik and Suyash Kamat from Goa, Hitarth Rakesh Desai, Riya Nalavade & Sameeha Sabnis from Mumbai, Murali Krishnan from Thiruvananthapuram, Manasvini Boovarahan & Sandip Kishan Anbuselvan from Chennai, Rohan Shyam Chowdhury from Kolkata and Aditi Sharma from Noida.
Manaswini Boovaran, one of the Tekten finalists, said, “The workshop made the entire process of filmmaking so much less intimidating. It was a relief to know that professionals go through problems just like us.”
“Many speakers said don’t be afraid to make mistakes because they can be magical, which has helped me rearrange my mental state with my team, which is going to help a lot,” said Sameeha Sabnis, who Also learned about Shakti saying “I don’t know” while filming.
Tekten finalist Suyash Kamat said, “The whole week was about making connections between the different filmmakers’ process methods. I definitely got clarity about my film and the focus on it.”