FTII holds 'open day' for public; over 2,000 turn up on Day 1

Pune, Sep 17: The Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) today opened its doors for common people to inform them about various aspects of filmmaking.

The premiere institute launched the two-day long open day aimed at letting people know the process of making films.

On the first day, as many as 2,200 citizens paid visit to the premier institute. "In conducted tours where the institute's staff and teachers volunteered to play tour guides, the visitors were taken to the landmarks such as Prabhat Studio, editing and sound departments, TV studios and production control room (PCR)," an official release said.

"Citizens, who came from all the sections of the society, were thrilled with the emotion of entering the hallowed precincts of Prabhat Studios and watching old lights, cranes, cameras (Mitchell camera, which were used during 1930s and are still functional, and ultramodern digital cameras) and other equipments," it added.

Common people were equally thrilled by the newly-discovered cavern used to record chorus in the early days of Prabhat Studios.

"One of the most rewarding experience was visit to Prabhat Museum where the costumes, jewellery, weapons and other artifacts used in the Prabhat films have been preserved carefully and displayed artistically," it said.

Bhupendra Kainthola, director at FTII said that the visitors also responded to the sale of LENSIGHT, the Institute's prestigious academic journal and old books on technical and non-technical subjects.

"Over 2,200 people, right from school children, retired, youngsters and from all walks of life, thronged to the institute and on its first day, FTII received overwhelming response and we expect more turnout on Sunday," he said.

He said this is for the first time, the institute has hosted a 'public day'. The open day continues on Sunday as well and visitors will be accommodated in batches that will begin at 10 am, 10.30 am, 11 am, 11.30 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 2.30 pm, 3 pm, 3.30 pm and 4 pm.

PTI