Igniting Young Dreamers’ Cinematic Journeys
With the unwavering belief that great stories begin in the hearts of young dreamers, Chitkara International School proudly unveiled the seventh edition of its cinematic crown jewel—CineMaestro – Shaping Future Filmmakers—across its avant-garde campuses in Chandigarh and Panchkula. This landmark edition brought together spirited learners from renowned institutions across the region, each driven by a singular passion: to explore the soul-stirring world of cinema.
A Creative Journey Beyond Workshops
More than just a series of workshops, CineMaestro Take 7 unfolded as an immersive creative odyssey—an intricate mosaic woven with the threads of imagination, technical skill, and artistic mentorship. Over the course of the programme, students dived deep into the multifaceted universe of filmmaking, engaging with disciplines such as screen acting, cinematography, advertising, choreography, creative production, and the nuanced art of pitching. Under the tutelage of some of the most iconic names in Indian cinema, participants were not only trained, but transformed.
Mentored by Masters of the Craft
Leading this constellation of mentors was the legendary Mr Amitabha Singh, cinematographer par excellence, whose acclaimed portfolio boasts titles such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, the National Award-winning Chillar Party, The Good Road—India’s official entry to the Oscars—and the beloved web series Panchayat. As the visionary founder of Cinevidya, a pathbreaking movement dedicated to empowering youth through the cinematic arts, Mr Singh played a pivotal role in shaping CineMaestro’s ethos. His partnership with Chitkara International School marked this edition as both a creative and commemorative milestone.
Joining this league of luminaries was Mr Pushkar Singh Bisht, the masterful lens behind Panchayat Season 4 on Amazon Prime, whose insights into contemporary cinematography offered students a privileged peek into the evolving language of visual storytelling.
Adding vibrancy to the narrative dimension was Mr Ambar Chakravarty, an advertising maven often referred to in industry circles as the “ideas guy”. His sessions decoded the delicate interplay between story and strategy, revealing how cinema and branding coalesce to create cultural impact.
Elegance met expression in the form of Ms Tamanna Tanna, a distinguished choreographer whose artistic journey has graced stages at the revered Khajuraho and Konark Dance Festivals, and cultural exchanges in Italy and beyond. Her module introduced learners to the rhythm and poetry of movement in cinematic storytelling.
The production and business of film were expertly demystified by Mr Anujeet, an accomplished creative producer and director with a portfolio that includes campaigns for Jaguar, Land Rover, Kohler India, and the feature film Shortcut Safaari. His stewardship of the Pitching Session was particularly transformative, empowering students to articulate, package, and present their visions with clarity and conviction.
In the acting sphere, students trained under the versatile Mr Pratik Rajen Kothari, whose journey from assisting the legendary Shyam Benegal on Samvidhaan to acting in Crime Patrol and Amazon Prime’s Love Storiyaan, and directing films like Auntypreneur, became a source of immense inspiration. His approach to performance, grounded yet imaginative, resonated deeply with aspiring young actors.
A Celebration of Cinematic Imagination
At its core, CineMaestro Take 7 stood not merely as an event but as a celebration of youth, artistry, and the unbounded potential of cinematic storytelling. It was a luminous affirmation of Chitkara International School’s commitment to future-forward, experiential education—one that inspires its learners to not only observe the world through a lens, but to shape it with vision, voice, and verve.
