Little did I know that my first short film made in Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute , Kolkata , INDIA would take me to VGIK , one of the prestigious film schools in the world . It was my first time to Moscow. Well it was the first time for most of us but with the presence of our co ordinators and new friends we never felt we were new to the city .Right from receiving us from the airport to taking us around , they were there with us. I remember the times when I would often get mesmerized by the beauty of the city and stop by suddenly to click a picture or two but I was never afraid of getting lost because two pairs of eyes were constantly looking at me . Like a mother never loses sight of her child our co ordinators too didn’t whenever we would go out.
My next pleasant surprise came at the opening ceremony . The grand opening, I would call it and for a student festival I must say its no less than the academy.
I feel privileged to be part of the festival as it gave me a platform to see films all across the world and have the makers right in front. Mot only did I enjoy the screenings , I also learnt and shared my experiences with other film makers which made my film viewing really worthwhile. However I wished that the masterclasses would be in English , would have attending those aswell .
All work and no play makes John a dull boy ! Am sure we would have got bored just watching films . But the organizers made sure this didn’t happen to us , apart from the opening party and closing party , we did go clubbing and explore the night life in Moscow after the screenings . And not to forget we were in the safe hands of our co ordinators and other students.
What is commendable is the effort put by each and every student to make us feel comfortable and happy . This is what I appreciate and will always be thankfull to VGIK and its organizers and my film school.
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