Assam down town University, a leading private educational institution in North East India, is set to introduce an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Film Appreciation, aiming to enrich students' aesthetic and entertainment perspectives. The meticulously designed six-month course will impart fundamental knowledge about the art of filmmaking and emphasize the critical appreciation of cinema.
Dr. N. C. Talukdar, the Vice-Chancellor of Assam down town University, mentioned that the course will initially be accessible to university students. Following the initial phase, the program will be extended to external students, film enthusiasts, and professionals within the film industry. Dr. Talukdar hinted at the university's ambitious plans to offer diploma and degree programs, underscoring their commitment to nurturing a thriving film culture within the region.
Utpal Datta, the Honorary Dean of the Programme of Performing Arts at Assam down town University, will lead the course. Datta is a nationally acclaimed film critic and filmmaker, renowned for his book 'Chalachitrar Rasaswadan,' awarded the best book on film writing at the Assam State Film Awards. The book, now translated into English as 'Film Appreciation,' has received acclaim from both academics and practitioners in the field and has become part of several universities' curricula.
Expressing enthusiasm for the course, Utpal Datta highlighted the participation of eminent cinema scholars and practitioners. Notable figures such as National Award-winning cinematographer Supratim Bhol, National Award-winning film editor Aseem Sinha, National Award-winning film critic and scholar Dr. Piyush Roy, filmmaker and writer Ranjan Ghosh, and others will contribute to the course content. Students will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted world of filmmaking and appreciation through their involvement.
The introduction of the Film Appreciation course at Assam down town University signifies the institution's dedication to deepening understanding and fostering talent in the cinematic realm. It is anticipated that the university's cinematic aspirations will significantly impact the world of film education and appreciation, reaching a broader audience in the future.
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