STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: With his eyes set on providing proper film education in the Northeast, Shahnawaj Rahman from Bollywood launched an institute on filmmaking – North East Film Institute (NEFI) – in Guwahati on Monday.
In the presence of renowned actor/ writer /director from Bollywood Rakesh Bedi, actor/writer Sartaaj Alam and Talat Umri the launch event were lively. It was followed by press meet at Cotton Alumni House, Cotton University. Sharing his thought on starting the film institute, its CEO and founder son of Assam Shahnawaj Rahman said, “From the very first day of holding a camera I had the dream of doing something like this. Our Northeast is full of talents and we possess a vibrant culture, but we remain unnoticed because we lack opportunities. Proper film education and theoretical knowledge is very necessary. So, NEFI is an initiative to provide a platform to train and uplift budding talents in various fields of filmmaking”.
Rahman also mentioned the courses offered, and they include acting, direction and design, story and screenplay writing, cinematography, art direction and production, music and audio production, editing and colour grading, photography and visual effects. He said, “Initiatives have been taken to connect the institution with Assam as well as Bombay production houses. So that our students can start their career in the real field not just being stopped by learning things. NEFI will always try to push on that”. Rakesh Bedi, who attended a free workshop prior to the launch event as guest faculty, said, “I’m overwhelmed by the talents, if I receive any offer, I would definitely like to work in the Assamese film industry”.
Sartaaj Alam said, “The Northeast is one of the best places and a talent hub. In the Mumbai-based film industry most of those working behind the scene are from the Northeast”.