Film workshop begins with master class on screenwriting at Rohtak university

A five-day film workshop, jointly hosted by Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts and Cine Foundation, Haryana, commenced at the university on Tuesday with students gaining technical insights into the craft of screenwriting.

Eminent writer and filmmaker Atul Gangwar introduced participants to the essential tools and techniques of screenwriting, describing it as the cornerstone of filmmaking. He elaborated on the journey from ideation to storytelling and explained how a strong narrative structure shapes the viewer’s emotional and intellectual connection with a film.

The participants became familiar with the fundamental elements of screenwriting, including language, dialogue, description, pace and tone as Gangwar illustrated how each component plays a crucial role in creating the overall cinematic experience.

“A film begins with the written word. The screenplay is the spine on which the entire edifice of cinema rests. Good writing not only breathes life into characters but also defines the soul of the film. Without a solid script, even the best direction or cinematography cannot save a film. Screenwriting is about discipline, clarity and empathy — understanding people, their conflicts and their dreams,” said Gangwar while emphasising the critical role of writing in filmmaking.

He also told participants to be vigilant when sharing their scripts, warning that unscrupulous individuals in the industry might attempt to copy or exploit original ideas.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Dr Amit Arya said the workshop aimed to help students understand that cinema is not just about glamour but also about responsibility and impact. “The idea is not just to learn a skill, but to manifest that skill in a way that benefits the community and the country. Otherwise, it becomes meaningless,” Arya added.

Encouraging students to seize the opportunity, Registrar Dr Gunjan Malik Manocha said, “Opportunities today often knock at your door. It is up to you to recognise them and make the most of them. This workshop is one such opportunity to learn, to interact and to expand your creative horizons,” she added.

Prof Rakesh Yogi of Gurugram University, who anchored the opening session, remarked that writing is the seed from which every great film grows. “Screenwriting is not just a technical craft. It is the art of thinking visually, of converting words into moving images,” Yogi added.

Benul Tomar, the university spokesman, said the workshop would, in the coming days, cover a wide range of disciplines, including cinematography, direction, light and sound, and editing with celebrated personalities such as actor Pawan Malhotra and director Sudipto Sen (Kerala Files).