Patna: Students interested in filmmaking and storytelling gathered at Patna Women’s College on Monday for a film workshop designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of scriptwriting and visual storytelling. The session, organised by the Department of English Communication and Media, focused on helping young media students understand how strong narratives and logical storytelling shape compelling films.
Filmmaker Shruti Anindita Varma, who served as the production designer for the National Award-winning film Antardwand, interacted with students during the session held at Carmel Hall. Speaking to the participants, she stressed the importance of coherence in storytelling. “If you create a storyline, it needs a logic behind it,” Varma said, explaining that while creativity is important, a narrative must also make sense for audiences to stay engaged.
Varma also shared insights from her journey as a filmmaker, writer and producer. Her film Bhor, which highlights women’s issues and social abuse, has received recognition at the Mumbai International Film Festival and the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival. Drawing from her experiences, she explained how storytelling, character development and screenplay structure play a crucial role in shaping impactful cinema.
To make the workshop interactive, students were divided into five groups and asked to develop short storylines and screenplays. Each group was given themes centred on showcasing the positive aspects of Bihar while challenging common stereotypes about the state. The exercise encouraged participants to think creatively while applying the storytelling techniques discussed during the session.
Varma also encouraged students to gain real-world exposure by visiting film sets and closely observing the filmmaking process. She interacted personally with several participants, offering guidance on building characters, structuring screenplays and developing a clear creative vision. The workshop concluded with students presenting their ideas and receiving feedback, making the session a practical learning experience for aspiring filmmakers and media professionals.
