Patna: The Bihar State Film Development & Finance Corporation Ltd. (BSFDFC), under the aegis of the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Bihar, in collaboration with Freecomers, organised an interactive edition of Cine Samvad × Freecomers Filmy Friday on September 18, featuring National Award-winning filmmaker, writer and director Devanshu Singh.
The session, titled “Visual Storytelling: The Art of Telling Stories Through Images,” brought together film and mass communication students, aspiring filmmakers, writers and cinema enthusiasts for a discussion on how filmmakers use visual elements to communicate emotion, information and character.
What Makes an Image Tell a Story?
During the session, Devanshu Singh discussed cinema as a visual medium and explained how elements such as framing, composition, lighting, camera movement and visual design influence the way audiences experience a story.
He also spoke about the principle of “less is more”, highlighting the importance of clarity and context in making an image effective.
According to Singh, visual storytelling does not necessarily require explicit exposition. The placement of characters, objects, light and movement within a frame can communicate emotions and information while allowing audiences to interpret the underlying meaning.
Lessons From Chintu Ka Birthday
Drawing from his work on Chintu Ka Birthday, which he co-wrote and co-directed with Satyanshu Singh, Devanshu explained how the film’s setting was approached through everyday details.
The film follows a Bihari family living in Baghdad during the Iraq War. Singh explained that instead of relying primarily on direct depictions of the conflict, the filmmakers used composition, character actions, props, lighting and the surrounding environment to establish the context and convey emotion.
The example illustrated how a film can communicate a larger situation through the ordinary experiences of its characters.
Filmmaker Shares Advice With Aspiring Creators
The interactive session also included a Q&A, during which participants asked about starting a career in filmmaking, developing visualisation skills, writing scripts and approaching production houses.
Singh encouraged beginners to start making short films, develop a basic understanding of cinematography and actively build professional connections within the film industry.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of practical experience and continued engagement with the filmmaking process for those looking to enter the industry.
Cine Samvad Aims to Strengthen Bihar’s Film Culture
The programme is part of the Film Club initiatives of BSFDFC, which aim to create spaces where students, emerging filmmakers and cinema audiences can engage directly with cinema and film practitioners.
Through conversations, screenings and other activities, the initiative seeks to encourage learning, dialogue and participation around filmmaking in Bihar.
Freecomers Supports Film and Festival Ecosystem
Freecomers co-founders Bhanu Shikha and Lt. Col. Dr. Vivek Singh said the collaboration with BSFDFC is intended to contribute to the development of a stronger film culture in Bihar.
They highlighted the value of direct interaction between filmmakers, students and audiences and said that online conversations, along with upcoming physical Film Club programmes, could provide additional opportunities for learning and participation.
Freecomers is a film technology platform that focuses on data-driven strategies for filmmakers and film festivals. The platform helps filmmakers identify relevant festival opportunities and make informed submission decisions, while also providing technology and digital tools for festivals.
More Film Club Programmes Planned
The collaboration between BSFDFC and Freecomers is expected to continue through online conversations as well as physical Film Club programmes.
The initiatives are aimed at creating more opportunities for young audiences, students and emerging filmmakers to interact with experienced practitioners and engage with Bihar’s developing film ecosystem.
