FTIT: Acronym Jumbled, Act Straight

It takes a while, but realisation does sink in. The Institute, despite the changes 8212; like a modified curriculum to keep up with the latest trends and graduation to colour films from black and white for class projects 8212; has not produced any exceptional directors/cinematographers in recent years. The famous-list read out by Ramesh only comprises students who graduated almost a decade ago.

8216;8216;Give them some time. They are definitely going to make a mark for themselves,8217;8217; defends Ramesh. Probe further and the principal in-charge admits that today most students prefer the security of the TV production houses to the risks of the film industry. A pity. For the film institute students were known for their tenacity. The likes of Abavanan, Rajeev Menon, P C Sreeram, Thankar Bachchan, Alagam Perumal, R K Selvamani and Yuhi Sethu have always stood by their convictions.

8216;8216;It was an inexplicable feeling. For us Institute students, the tag-line of Abavanan8217;s Ummai Vizhigal 8212; 8216;A Film by Film Institute Students8217; 8212; was so thrilling that our batch, I feel, were somehow inspired to give our best. Abavanan showed the film industry what technology can do to a film,8217;8217; says Yuhi Sethu, a director/actor/chat-show host and 1984 gold medallist.

On the whole, the former students point out that the Institute is not really a great help so far as commercial films are concerned. More often than not, a diploma holder had to battle preconceived notions that Institute students are good only for short films. Says R V Udayakumar, who has 14 commercial films to his credit: 8216;8216;It is true that the Film Institute products are making waves with their short films. It is also true that it is difficult to convince producers of their commercial ability. But then creativity cannot be taught. It can only be guided. A few of us persisted and did succeed.8217;8217;

Like Azhagam Perumal, another gold medallist 1991 who bided his time assisting Mani Ratnam. When his time came, he struck back with Dumm Dumm Dumm, a feel-good love story, far removed from the supposed 8216;Film Institute8217; stereotype. Like cinematographer Thankar Bachchan who patiently filmed others8217; films until his time came. Today, his patience paid, for Azhagy managed to win the approval of the audience and the critics alike.

8216;8216;I cannot comment on the Film Institute because I don8217;t know anything about the latest developments. But I hear that they have improved the infrastructure. Personally, I think that the Institute doesn8217;t really train you to handle the commercial pressures,8217;8217; says Azhagam Perumal.

Also, point out the former students, while the Institute manages to rope in the best technical talents, the same cannot be said of the creatives. So much so, this year the Institute has scrapped the certificate course in acting. 8216;8216;It was a decision taken by the Government. For more than a decade now, we haven8217;t been able to fill the 11 seats for women. Moreover, there is virtually no competition for this course, which has resulted in mediocrity,8217;8217; says the principal in-charge.

FTIT is run by the Government of Tamil Nadu. While government involvement has meant more investment and infrastructure, it is the bureaucracy associated with sarkari agencies that is blamed for the general apathy. 8216;8216;When governments change, there are invariably changes at the Institute. Whether it is progressive or not depends on the Government,8217;8217; says Azgham Perumal.

8216;8216;If an institution becomes a part of the government, it somehow loses its credibility. I feel the FTIT should be made autonomous with people from the film industry governing it. That way, the course can be made more practical,8217;8217; says Sethu.