The IIPK is a premier photography institute established in Kolkata in 2012. It is dedicated to promoting professional photography through specialized training. The Institute is the brainchild of a renowned photographer the late Sanat Ghosh.  The IIPK is currently among the best photography institutes in the country. The institute now has included filmmaking in its curriculum.

The International Institute of Photography and Arts, Kolkata (IIPK) organized a panel discussion on The Impact of The Pandemic on Films and Filmmaking as a part of its Foundation Month Celebrations, and in remembering its founder, the late Sanat Ghosh.

The panelists included Tollywood actress Rituparna Sengupta, cinematographer, and director Premendu Bikash Chaki and renowned look planner Aniruddha Chakladar. Mr. Chaki and Mr. Chakladar are members of the IIPK’s faculty.

The panelists spoke about their experiences with the late photographer, and how his valuable advice, guidance, and love helped them not only in their careers.

At the panel discussion, Rituparna Sengupta, Premendu Bikash Chaki, and Aniruddha Chakladar spoke in detail about how adversely the COVID 19 pandemic has affected filmmaking and the film industry. They stressed having a positive outlook even in these dire times. Efforts must be made to identify ways to combat the pandemic’s impact so that the industry can benefit.

While talking about whether OTT platforms can ever lure away the cinema-goers from cinema halls, Premendra Bikash Chaki said that the experience of watching a film on the big screen is so enticing that no other format can take over it.

The panelists also discussed the sad state of the jatra and theatre workers during the pandemic.

To conclude, though things were grave in the film industry due to the pandemic, the panelists hoped that things will take a turn for the better. They were very optimistic about it and hoped that the others will be equally positive.

Priyanka Dutta