A Three Day National Workshop on Science Films was held at Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai Campus in New Panvel from 27th to 29th January, 2017. It was jointly organized by Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Department of Mass Media, Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science.
The workshop aimed at sensitizing students towards science communication through the medium of motion pictures. It also provided students with a hands-on experience in science film making. 60 students from various colleges all over India participated in the workshop.
Inaugural Ceremony
Mr. Murzbaan Shroff
Ms. Arunaraje Patil
Participant with Resource Persons at Valedictory Ceremony
Practicals
Theory
With Chairman Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai
Last Day
Veteran Filmmaker and National Award winner, Ms. Arunaraje Patil was the Chief Guest of Honour at the inaugural ceremony. Her documentary on autism ‘Breaking the Glass Wall’ was screened during the opening ceremony.
The sessions were conducted by Dr. C. M. Nautiyal – a renowned scientist and science communicator from Lucknow, Ms. Seema Muralidhara – Television Producer – Director from Mumbai and Mr. Ritesh Taksande – Director from Pune.
Mr. Murzbaan Shroff, author of ‘Breathless in Bombay’ was the guest speaker on the second day of the workshop. He conducted a session on ‘Creating issue based, character based fiction.’
‘We learnt that the movies like Star Wars are not the only way to make science films but there are lot of other topics which should be brought in front of people.’ said Mamta Motwani, a participant. ‘The workshop helped me learn the importance of research, scripting & editing as well as how to use film as a medium to communicate various issues in the society.’ said Saurabh Kekan another participant in the workshop.
Mr. Nimish Kapoor, Head of Science Films’ Division at Vigyan Prasar, praised Pillai College for its excellent infrastructural facilities and coordination provided throughout the workshop. “It was a pleasure to conduct the workshop here. The management, teaching staff and student volunteers were very cooperative.” said Mr. Ritesh Taksande.
There was no fee charged for participating in the workshop. The outstation students were also given a free accommodation by Pillai Collge at their hostel. The participants received a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ at the valedictory ceremony.