AFA in Indian cinema
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Consulting with india’s father of visual communication
Rev. Dr. Fr. Rajanayagam: Creator of Film Stars Prof. Shaker’s commitment to enriching media education in rural communities found resonance during his trip to India, where he had the opportunity to meet Rev. Dr. Fr. Rajanayagam—esteemed as one of the visionaries who initiated the Visual Communication Degree programs in India and celebrated for his trailblazing contributions to media studies and the cultural discourse within Tamil Nadu. Rural Media Studies The collaboration envisages the establishment of media studies programs under the auspices of AFA in rural areas. This initiative is not just about imparting education; it’s about igniting a cultural and educational revolution. The focus is to provide access to quality media education, harness local talents, and empower the youth in these areas with the tools to narrate their stories to the world. This significant association leaves the seeds of a future where media education catalyzes change in rural India. The partnership with Father Rajanayagam is an essential step towards realizing AFA’s vision of a globally inclusive media education that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. About Rev. Dr. Fr. Rajanayagam Rev. Dr. Fr. Rajanayagam, one of the founding fathers of the Visual Communication degree program in India, is not just a renowned academic figure. His repertoire spans various dimensions – a media researcher, a respected college professor, an inspiring novelist, and a poet. His works, deeply entrenched in theological thought, have been instrumental in promoting an alternative political and cultural movement in Tamil Nadu. His extensive field studies and research have carved a niche, especially in Tamil culture and media.
AFA at Gandhigram
During his visit to India, Prof. Shaker A Rajasekar engaged in fruitful discussions with the leaders of Gandhigram Rural Institute, located in Dindigul, particularly those involved with the B.Voc department. This meeting led to the establishment of a significant association between AFA and the university. Prof. Shaker actively interacted with the students of Gandhigram University, sharing insights about filmmaking on a global platform. He showcased projects by AFA students, which were exemplary in demonstrating intercontinental productions made possible by AFA’s diverse student and faculty body. Prof. Shaker emphasized on how emotions transcend all language barriers in films and storytelling. Through this, he highlighted the importance of cinema as a universal medium that connects people across different cultures and geographies. A Personal Connection The collaboration with Gandhigram University holds a deeper meaning for Prof. Shaker, as his family has been associated with the university for over 40 years. This personal connection adds a unique depth and commitment to this educational partnership
AFA’s partnership with sacred
AFA through Prof. Shaker’s recent visit, has forged a significant association with Sacred Heart College. This collaboration is marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), symbolizing a major step in bringing specialized film education to India. The initiative includes an immersive training program for students of Sacred Heart College’s BSc Visual Communication program, engaging in practical filmmaking projects, offering students a real-world experience in film production. Training viscom students at sacred Prof. Shaker himself has taken an active role in educating the students. Under his guidance, four major film projects have been planned, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various filmmaking aspects. The curriculum designed by AFA includes a series of progressive projects. Starting with a 1-minute advertisement film, students will then move on to creating a documentary, followed by a news piece. The program culminates with the students of the final year undertaking a short film project, preparing them for diverse challenges in the film industry.
American film Academy meets American College
Collaborative Pathways AFA is set to expand its global reach by bringing its acclaimed film and media programs to the historic American College in Madurai, fostering a new era of academic collaboration. Prof. Shaker’s visit to American College was facilitated by Dr. Shourni Banerjee, Professor of Visual Communication, marking a significant step towards integrating AFA’s innovative programs with the college’s vibrant educational offerings. During his visit, Prof. Shaker engaged in fruitful discussions with the college leadership, laying the groundwork for a future partnership. This prospective association aims to blend AFA’s innovative film education model with the rich academic environment of American College, Madurai, promising exciting opportunities for students and educators alike. This partnership heralds a new chapter in providing world-class film education and fostering media excellence in one of India’s most historic academic institutions. About American College, Madurai The American College in Madurai, established in 1881, is one of the oldest colleges in India. Known for its distinctive red-brick buildings designed in the Saracenic style by British architect Henry Irwin, the college blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. With a longstanding history of over 130 years, the institution is celebrated for its early adoption of college autonomy and its pioneering role in education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including innovative courses like Gender Studies and Dalit Studies. The college has made a notable impact on the academic and cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.
Unearthing Historical Narratives: Keezhadi
In an enriching extension to his India visit, Prof. Shaker considered visiting Keezhadi. This site has captivated the attention of historians and archaeologists worldwide. This visit highlights AFA’s commitment to blending history with film studies and underlines our dedication to exploring diverse cultural narratives. About Keezhadi: A Window to Ancient Tamil Civilization Keeladi, a recent archaeological sensation in Tamil Nadu, has been pivotal in unearthing the rich, ancient Tamil civilization. The excavations here have unveiled significant findings, contributing immensely to understanding the region’s historical and cultural past. Embracing Ancient Tamil culture The visit has opened avenues for future collaborative projects that could involve documenting and portraying the rich history of Keezhadi through film. Such initiatives would not only be academically enriching but also instrumental in bringing ancient Tamil civilization’s stories to a global audience. Adding a personal touch to this historical exploration, Prof. Shaker met with Prof. Karumurugan, Head of the Tamil Department at Madurai’s Govt. College. Prof. Karumurugan’s land has been the focal point of the Keezhadi excavations. This interaction was more than an academic exchange; it was a dialogue bridging the past and the present, where history meets education. Their discussions were aimed at integrating the profound stories unearthed in Keezhadi into AFA’s film education, providing a narrative as rich and layered as the site’s ancient Tamil civilization. This initiative underscores AFA’s commitment to honoring and educating on the ancient Tamil culture, ensuring that the legacy and stories of Tamil Nadu’s ancestors are brought to light and shared with a wider audience.