Gangtok, March 20: Imtiaz Ali drew significant attention on the opening day of the Sikkim International Film Festival, where he conducted a masterclass on directing and screenwriting, focusing on the core principles of storytelling and film production.
During the session titled The Craft of Directing and Screenwriting held on March 19, Ali underscored the importance of pre-production, describing it as a critical stage that shapes both the narrative structure and the execution of a film. He emphasised that thorough preparation often determines how effectively a story is translated onto the screen.
Reflecting on his body of work, Ali cited examples from Rockstar and Highway to illustrate how production timelines vary depending on the demands of a story. He noted that while Rockstar required an extended शूट schedule, Highway was completed within a comparatively shorter timeframe.
According to the state’s Information and Public Relations Department, the filmmaker also spoke about his creative process, highlighting his preference for a flexible, “free-rolling” approach rather than adhering to rigid frameworks during filmmaking.
Ali acknowledged the efforts of the Sikkim government under Prem Singh Tamang in organising the festival, stating that such platforms can foster creative exchange and collaboration. He added that his visit was also aimed at building connections in the region and expressed interest in returning to shoot a film in Sikkim.
He further indicated openness to working with local talent and exploring narratives rooted in the Northeast. The session concluded with a felicitation ceremony by the Asian Anime and Manga Academy.
