Nupu Press: Film fix

Adding some variety to the mix is Nupu Press, who will present a multimedia interactive session on “10 Ways of Storytelling Through Film,” today at 5:45pm.

Your session title is intriguing. Tell us more about your concept.

I’ve learnt everything about telling stories from films. The nature of cinema demands dynamic, swift and clear narrative techniques, all of which I find are applicable to other forms of storytelling. I thought it would be fun to discuss some of these lessons, like establishing the genre fast and early, and why we use a three-act structure.

What is the ‘interactive’ component?

With each point, I’ll first talk about how it’s done in film, and then work out with the audience how we may apply this to writing.

What kinds of films will you be showing? 

All clips are from commercial films, mostly English language, to keep things in line with my talk. 

Is your panel aimed at film geeks, writers, or a lay audience?

The session is for anyone who’s interested in telling stories. But I hope a lay audience will find it fun, and gain a deeper appreciation of films.

You have quite an impressive film background yourself. 

Thank you. I started as Mira Nair’s assistant nearly 20 years ago, then worked my way up from coordinator to manager to line producer with directors such as Deepa Mehta and Paul Greengrass. I was primarily affiliated with Hollywood studios, like Universal. I also headed production for Walt Disney in India.

You reviewed many books released at last year’s festival in the Weekend Tribune. Who are you looking forward to reading this year?

I can’t wait to read all the Bangladeshi English writers debuting this year. I’m always thrilled to read local voices telling our stories.

Which Hay sessions are you definitely not going to miss?

The panel with Lucy Hawking on how to make science popular sounds fascinating, as does anything with William Dalrymple. I’m also looking forward to Zia Haider Rahman, as I recently finished his novel and would love to hear more about how he wrote it.