3E-Explore, Experiment, Express
A 5- weeks filmmaking workshop
With R V Ramani
ONLINE – ONSITE BLENDED MODALITY
SCHEDULE 1
08th to 10th January 2024 – Online – 10am to 1pm – Interactions, Film Exercises, Reviews
11th to 17th January 2024 – Research, Film Exercises, Travel (Participants reach Auroville by 17th Jan)
SCHEDULE 2
Residential Workshop in Auroville (2 weeks)
18th to 31st January 2024 – Interactions, Screenings, Film Exercises, Reviews, Research, Travel
SCHEDULE 3
01st to 07th February 2024 – Research, Film Exercises, Travel
08th to 11th February 2024 – Online – 10am to 1pm and 6pm to 9pm – Interactions, Screenings, Film Exercises
*Attn: Participants of RV Ramani’s earlier workshops/courses can join directly from 3rd Week in Auroville, i.e from 18th Janaury. For this you need to present any 2 exercises that you created in the earlier courses with RV Ramani.
Concessional Fees for ex-participants of Ramani’s workshops – Rs. 15000.
OVERVIEW:
This is a 5 -week workshop both online and in Auroville with R. V. Ramani, Filmmaker, Cinematographer and Teacher, initiating aspirants into filmmaking on one’s own terms. You could be new to filmmaking, or coming from a deep experience in another profession or a student from any discipline. Anyone can participate. This is also a call for practicing film professionals in different disciplines, to substantially engage, self-reflect on their practice, seeking new ground for articulation. You could be coming with ongoing projects looking for creative breathers, or just come to participate with any kind of explorative inclination, this workshop maps a method for oneself, for creating new openings. This Course will be setting a ground for exploration, experimentation and expression.
Through simple exercises and interactions, the Course will lead the participants – to introspect, look within and discover one’s own intuition, ways of connection and expression. Ramani’s sessions will be informal, candid yet rigorous, engaging individually – and yet as a group – where each one is inspired to take one’s own path to discover and attempt ideas of narratives in filmmaking. Based on the interactions, many feasible exercises will be suggested, which will be done as groups and also some individually.
OUTCOME:
Completed exercises, explorations of sequences or nuances, sense of connections and perspectives, seeking new possibilities in time and space, a propulsion to work on a larger idea, some projections, clarities, new discoveries, an inspiring time, all could be possible outcomes of the workshop.
SYLLABUS:
* Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Experimental, Other
* Independent and Applied narratives.
* Grammar: Shot, Sequence, Structure, Entry – exit, Continuity, Mise-en-scene
* Approach: Characterization, Dynamics, Perspectives, Attitudes, Consents
* Concept: Idea, Research, Script/Treatment, Preparing a proposal
* Practical: Camera, Sound, Editing, Aspects of Lighting
Most of the syllabus will be covered in discussions, reviews of exercises or while discussing the ideas.
MODE OF INSTRUCTION:
Primarily English.
Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, Bengali – can be considered as secondary languages for interactions.
ATTENDANCE:
Full participation is expected from the participants for the time period of the workshop, to get the maximum benefit. Timings will be planned on a day to day basis. Some days the sessions will start before Sunrise and can extend to late night, depending on the needs. Be prepared to work intensely.
EQUIPMENT:
* If you have only Mobile phones, they are fine. They can be used for some exercises.
* If you have a DSLR with lens options, bring them along.
* If you have access to sound recording equipment, bring them along.
* A decent Laptop with your own editing software is ideal.
* Bring your own hard disks.
* If you have none of these, we will have a basic infrastructure as a shared possibility.
* Sharing and caring for each other’s equipment, each other’s ideas is a necessity and a good way to function.
MAIN FACULTY – R V RAMANI :
R.V. Ramani is an award-winning Filmmaker, Cinematographer and a Teacher. In 1991, he directed and photographed his own independent short experimental film ‘Saa’, seeking his own rhythm, in the flux of rural and urban rhythms. Since then, Ramani has been exploring, experimenting and making independent films on various aspects of expression. He believes, ‘There is only one issue, which is the need to express and to reach an expression.’ With more than 30 independent films to his credit, he has carved his own niche in the avant-garde experiments. His works are presented in many forums. Ramani regularly conducts filmmaking workshops at various Institutions. Presently he is working on many independent feature documentaries. He also continues collaborating with other filmmakers as a Cinematographer.
SUPPORTING FACULTY: RICHA HUSHING & RRIVU LAHA:
Richa and Rrivu are documentary filmmakers and co-directors of Auroville Film Institute.
SELECTION :
Selection will be based on a statement of purpose and general qualification. We shall respond to you within 4 days of your application. If selected, you will be requested to pay the fees within 4 days of selection intimation. Participation will be confirmed upon verification of payment.
LIMITED SEATS.
WORKSHOP FEES:
₹ 25000 – For Indian Participants.
€ 600 – For International Participants.
₹ 15000 – Participants who have undergone a filmmaking course with RV Ramani earlier
Voluntary Contribution for Aurovilians.
ACCOMMODATION, MEALS & MOBILITY :
We can facilitate:
-Accommodation on a twin sharing basis @700/day/person = 10500 INR
-Standard Lunch @150/day/person = 2250 INR
-Standard Dinner @150/day/person = 2250 INR
Your concessional Workshop Fees will be Rs. 15000.
-Standard Breakfast @100/day/person = 1500 INR
-Cycle @60/day/person = 900 INR
Thus, workshop fee + accommodation, meals & mobility = 42400 INR approximately
Please note: Single occupancy and other deluxe accommodation is also possible at a premium cost. Participants may look up Auroville Guest Accommodation Service – to get an idea. Feel free to reach out to us if you need recommendations. Also, for mobility, e-cycle / scooters can be rented at extra costs.
TRAVEL GUIDANCE:
The closest Airport to Auroville is Chennai. With respect to Trains, Auroville is about 15km from Pondicherry railway station; about 75km from Villupuram and about 165 km from Chennai railway station. There are some weekly trains directly to Pondicherry, while regular trains from all parts of India to Villupuram and Chennai. There are several options of local buses and passenger trains from Chennai to Auroville; it takes about 3-4 hours approximately. For those preferring to travel by taxi, we recommend Auroville based taxi services as they can pick up from anywhere you are and drop straight to the respective Auroville guest house. Please check Auroville Shared Transport service.
Please visit www.auroville.org for orientation and additional information on Auroville.
CERTIFICATES:
Certificates of participation will be issued to those who fill up this Certificate Issuance Form.
QUERIES:
For any queries, please write to: filminstitute@auroville.org.in
or call / message +919969879319 (Whatsapp and telegram only).
Further details of the workshop can be shared upon request.
Auroville Film Institute 