Whistling Woods International (WWI) invited Lord David Puttnam, Academy Award winning Producer of films like Chariots of Fire, Killing fields, Local Hero and many more for the third time. Lord Puttnam has been a Patron of the Institute since 2003 and has visited the WWI campus when it was a mere construction site. He was proud today to know that it is now one of the top 10 film schools in the world & had 400 students studying various aspects of Filmmaking & Media. He spent an afternoon at the campus sharing his journey while interacting with the young talented students, alumni and faculty. A life changing experience for most of the students, as they heard him touch upon aspects like films and education on a global level.
The session started with several questions being raised by the students, who left no stone unturned to understand his views on filmmaking. He explained to the students, the industry they have chosen is possibly the most important industry of all. He wants aspiring filmmakers to see films as “I am contributing in someway, I am contributing positively, I am contributing to the planet to be successful, harmonious.”
Lord Puttnam also shared several examples with the students, which helped them understand the practical aspects of International Filmmaking. He stressed on the fact that when watching classics such as Citizen Kane for the first time students MUST experience it in a theater so it is a collective experience with the other viewers. One must experience the sheer scope, curve of the story and generate respect for it. He told the students that it is of utmost importance for successful filmmakers to first learn the history of cinema. He specifically said that all his friends who are successful Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Copolla … know the history of cinema in acute detail.
Lord David Puttnam was overwhelmed by his experience on this vibrant campus and exclaimed, “The students were great, the session was very lively. This is my third visit to WWI and I am watching it progressively getting better and better and what I appreciate is the nature of your interaction with mainstream cinema.”
Founder & Chairman of WWI, Mr. Subhash Ghai said, “Lord Puttnam had faith in me & my team before we even started WWI. Back in 2003 he accepted our invitation to become Patron of the Institute. It is of course a matter of great pride to have Lord Puttnam sharing insights and for holding such a successful discussion with students of the institute. I also thank Hani Farsi young filmmaker who has already made his mark in International cinema as Executive Producer for sharing his learnings with our students.”
At the end of the session Lord Puttnam and Hani Farsi expressed pleasure that their trip to India and were especially proud of the existence of an institute like WWI. They were surprised to see the quest for knowledge and desire to learn that flowed during the interaction with the students.
Following his interaction with the faculty members of WWI Lord David Puttnam quoted, “WWI is headed in a direction which is only going to be successful.”
Lord Puttnam ended the session by saying, “Global exposure is very important. Whether you like it or not because you are all operating in a global marketplace. Be aware of International filmmaking. Be aware of where it is going and what issues it is tackling.”
He loved the WWI campus as it provides the kind of education and guidance needed for filmmaking. He was also awed by the concept of the master class and advised to continue the trend for the growth of the students. He wished all the students a successful career ahead before signing off.