Chennai, August 8, 2024 — An exclusive screening of Paradise (2023), followed by a discussion with the film’s director Prasanna Vithanage, took place at Prasad Preview Theatre in Saligramam, organized by L.V. Prasad College of Media Studies. The event welcomed students and faculty from across departments, offering them an inside look at the filmmaking process with Vithanage, renowned for his socio-political films.
The event opened with a screening of Paradise, The film delves into the socio-political and economic crises impacting the nation, with a focus on women’s experiences and strength. Through its rich storytelling and striking visuals, Paradise captures the complexities of cultural identity and struggle in South Asia. This thought-provoking work highlights Vithanage’s signature style of socially conscious cinema.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured Vithanage, Editor A. Sreekar Prasad, and Sound Engineer Tapas Nayak, moderated by Prasad Corp’s Senior Mentor, Mr. Sivaraman. The filmmakers shared their journey in the making of Paradise, discussing technical aspects such as editing, sound design, and cinematography that shaped the film’s emotional depth. Sreekar Prasad recalled his early days at Prasad Lab, reflecting on how his experiences there influenced his editing approach.
Students engaged eagerly, inquiring about the film’s technical elements and its cultural influences. Vithanage emphasized the importance of contextual storytelling, through some lights on how Paradise explores themes of resilience and womanhood against a backdrop of regional crises.
This enriching interaction provided students with unique insights into the craft and cultural depth of filmmaking. The event underscored the power of cinema to bridge cultural gaps, with students expressing gratitude for the chance to interact directly with the filmmakers.
By facilitating this event, L.V. Prasad College of Media Studies reaffirmed its commitment to inspire the next generation of filmmakers through meaningful, real-world industry experiences.
