Five-Day Film Workshop at DLC SUPVA Opens with Masterclass on Screenwriting by Atul Gangwar

Rohtak, August 19, 2025: The much-anticipated Five-Day Film Workshop, jointly organized by Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA) and Cine Foundation Haryana, commenced today at the university’s Faculty of Architecture with an inspiring opening session on screenwriting led by eminent writer and filmmaker Atul Gangwar.

In his engaging session, Gangwar introduced the participants to the tools and techniques of screenwriting, describing it as the cornerstone of filmmaking. He elaborated on the journey from ideation to storytelling and explained how the narrative structure shapes the viewer’s emotional and intellectual engagement with a film.

The workshop participants were introduced to the basic components of screenplay such as language, dialogue, description, pace, and tone by Gangwar. He highlighted how each element contributes to the larger cinematic experience.

He emphasized the critical role of writing in filmmaking, saying, “A film begins with the written word. The screenplay is the spine on which the entire edifice of cinema rests. Good writing not only breathes life into characters but also defines the soul of the film. Without a solid script, even the best direction or cinematography cannot save a film. Screenwriting is about discipline, clarity, and empathy — understanding people, their conflicts, and their dreams.”

Gangwar also cautioned the participants about being vigilant while sharing scripts with others. Unscrupulous elements in the industry may attempt to copy or exploit original ideas.

Speaking at the inauguration, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya underlined the deeper objective of the workshop, observing, “The idea is not just to learn a skill, but to manifest that skill in a way that benefits the community and the country. Otherwise, it becomes meaningless. True learning happens when curiosity meets devotion to one’s teachers, and when we stay rooted in our culture and values. Through this workshop, we want our students to understand that cinema is not only about glamour but also about responsibility and impact.”

Registrar Dr. Gunjan Malik Manocha encouraged the participants to seize the moment, stating: “Opportunities today often knock at your door. It is up to you to recognize them and make the most of them. This workshop is one such opportunity — to learn, to interact, and to expand your creative horizons. You must use it to the fullest.”

The opening session was anchored by Prof. Rakesh Yogi, Department of Mass Communication, Gurugram University, who reflected on the timeless importance of writing in the cinematic process. He said, “Writing is the seed from which every great film grows. Screenwriting is not just a technical craft; it is the art of thinking visually, of converting words into moving images. This workshop is invaluable because it sensitizes young aspirants to the discipline and passion that writing demands.”

The five-day workshop (August 19–23) will cover a wide range of disciplines including screenplay writing, cinematography, direction, light & sound, and editing, with celebrated personalities such as actor Pawan Malhotra, director Sudipto Sen (Kerala Files), and Dr. Anup Lathar, Chairman of the Culture Council, Delhi University, scheduled to engage with participants in the coming days.

Out of hundreds of applications received, 30 participants from across Haryana have been selected for this intensive training, reflecting the programme’s exclusivity and prestige.