A Film and Videography Platform for Emerging Visual Cultures
November 24, 2011 – June 13, 2014; Kathmandu
An Introduction
Drawing from the traditions of film makers such as Akira Kurusawa who “inspired, delighted, enriched and entertained audiences and influenced film makers throughout the world,” the Film and Videography Platform is envisaged as a platform, space, connection, edutainment hub and, critically, as a narrative and storytelling amphitheatre. Audience exploration, enjoyment and understanding of narratives, themes, metaphors, social analyses and social commentaries along with popular historical trends and ideas could go a long way in placing the proposed platform as a turnkey and contemporary film Community of Practice as well as in contextually positioning the 'film ideology’ on a firm footing in Nepal.
- Film as visual narrative
- Film as visual literature
- Film as visual rhetoric
- Film as visual communication
Building on web film pioneers such as on vimeo.com, the Platform could be developed with and through strong emphases on the social film and documentary milieu as well as on popular entertainment and the Contemporary Arts.
Historically, Nepal can look back to a rich visual heritage. In terms of aesthetics and creativity, contemporary Nepal is reaching out to the international ‘creative pool’ as well as within to “reclaim its artistic heritage.” Kathmandu City is gradually becoming a bridge, a showcase and a meeting point for art, photography, design, music, technology and the Performing Arts. With this evolving trend in mind, the Film and Videography Platform could help further build this new social and cultural sphere. The progressive media in Kathmandu is also vibrant; the audiences are now partly keen consumers and partly savvy readers. This sets the scene as a challenging environment and opportune moment for a ‘film verite platform’ to establish itself - as a popular ‘hangout’ for film, documentaries and the Visual Arts. By promoting and expanding the visual film culture, it could contribute significantly to cross-cultural ties, creative diversity and a solid foundation for community expressions and enjoyment.
Content Ideas
- Popular Culture
- Contemporary Issues
- Professional Themes and Concepts
- Creative Intelligence and Expressions
- Visual and Performing Arts as PODs
- Vernacular Cinema
- Music
Film Themes and Subjects
The list below covers a few cinematic genres, subjects and topics which could pave the way and provide the social and creative ambience considered important by film makers and audiences alike.
- Documentaries – Nepali, Regional and International
- Popular Short Films
- Arts and Culture
- Heritage and Music
- Social Commentaries and Analyses
- The Environment
- Lifelong Learning
- New Media
- Philosophy in the 21st Century
- Cultural Intelligence and Explorations
- Animated Film and Films for Young Audiences
- Experimental Cinema and the Avant Garde
Partnerships and Collaboration
The world of film and visual entertainment is often seen as a conglomerate reality with several barriers to reaching potentially important and interested audiences in the developing world. However, recent trends and collaborative outreach initiatives, particularly via digital and social media, are a welcome change. This bodes well for a platform such as the proposed; for the Contemporary Arts in Nepal as well as for the majority of people in Kathmandu and in the Region keen on film fare that is socially relevant. Additionally, screenings and related in-person interactions with film makers could also make for a ‘complete film experience’. In conclusion, it is hoped that the Film and Videography Platform will be able to support and help develop the emerging visual and film cultures as well as catalyze creativity, community and diversity in Nepal and in the Region. Finally, S4G could be the beta version of the proposed platform. Opportunity knocks!
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