National Workshop on Film Aesthetics!
The Department of English (Shift II), St. Joseph’s College Tiruchirapalli, organised a one-day national level workshop titled “Through the Looking Lens: Unlocking Meaning in Movies” on Thursday. The event witnessed the participation of nearly 350 students, research scholars, and faculty members from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.
The workshop aimed to introduce participants to the aesthetics of cinema and the craft of film criticism, while encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to visual storytelling. Sessions focused on cinematic language, socio-political contexts in films, and critical methods of interpretation.
The inaugural address was followed by a series of thematic sessions delivered by distinguished media professionals and academicians. Mr. Bala Chakkaravarthi, Deputy Editor and Senior Anchor at News18 Tamil Nadu, addressed the politics of representation in films.
Ms. RJ Rohini, actor and Digital Head of Cinema Express, spoke on film appreciation and the sensorial experience of cinema.
Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, led the academic session on crime narratives in cinema.
Mr. Rahul Prabahar VJ, Cineulagam and Mr. Vishnu Nagarajan, Creative Head, Idea Monk engaged participants in sessions on framing critical questions and interpretive strategies.
A panel discussion featuring all the speakers facilitated an open dialogue on current trends in film criticism and narrative analysis. The workshop provided a dynamic platform for film enthusiasts, scholars, and aspiring critics to sharpen their analytical perspectives and engage in enriching dialogue.
Rev. Dr. Pavulraj Michael SJ ,Rector, Rev. Dr. M. Arokiasamy Xavier SJ, Secretary and Rev. Dr. S. Mariadoss SJ, Principal presided over the proceedings. The workshop was held under the convenership of Dr. V. Francis Head, Department of English and Dr. J. Charles Arokiasamy, Coordinator of Shift II. Dr. A. Ezhugnayiru and Ms. L. Virgin Francy served as the Organising Secretaries.
The event concluded with a valedictory session and certificate distribution, marking the success of an intellectually stimulating and practically beneficial academic gathering.
The event underscored the department’s commitment to fostering media literacy and critical engagement through the study of cinema as both an art form and a cultural text.
