U.S. Film Specialist's Talk Inspires Young Indian Filmmakers

Ms. Sandra Ruch interacts with students from Chennai.

Exhibiting the best of American documentary film making, Sandra Ruch, of the American Documentary Showcase inspired young film makers in Chennai and Madurai to find stories they want to tell and make an impact.  Ms. Ruch led discussions on the nuances of making a quality documentary film with students at the MGR film institute and delivered the keynote address at the national seminar on “Documentary Film Making” at Fatima College, Madurai.  As a result, the students of MGR film institute, in collaboration with the Consulate, produced a short documentary film on the impact of U.S. government sponsored English language and exchange programs on the lives of the orphaned and semi-orphaned students at Anjuman-e-Himayath-e-Islam school.  Chennai supports a state department funded English language program entitled “Access program” in South India that has given hundreds of poor children a chance to succeed.  The film was an initiative to document PAS Chennai’s support to underprivileged students and it focuses on the successes of three orphaned and/or destitute students and former exchange grantees who are now studying at prestigious local colleges.   The film makers were students of the MGR Film and Television Institute. Ms. Ruch and renowned film director Mr. Vasanth praised the film and offered suggestions for how to edit and perfect it for entry in film festivals around the world.

To receive information about future Consulate programs e-mail ChennaiPASprograms@state.gov