GECs
Cinema workshop & appreciation course begins in Pune
MUMBAI: ‘Understanding Cinema’ — a workshop and film appreciation programme jointly orgainsed by the Indira School of Communication (ISC) and Aashay Film Club, began in Pune today.
The workshop and film appreciation programme was jointly inaugurated by music director and film critic Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari and Indira School of Communication director Shashidhar Nanjundaiah.
The programme includes seven days of conceptual learning and three days of hands-on training in making a short film.
‘Understanding Cinema’ will showcase a bouquet of Indian and international films in various genres and ranging from the first film ever made to the latest ones, informs a press release.
The speakers over the 10 days include filmmakers writer-director Vinta Nanda, director-producer Sumitra Bhave, film academician, script writer and director Anil Zankar, actor and former dircetor of Film and Television Insititue of India (FTII) Dr Mohan Agashe and film academician Samar Nakhate to name a few.
Chandavarkar said, “Cinema is a cultural experience, and that culture and cinema are mutually interdependent in shaping each other. He said workshops like this would help general publics broaden their horizons in understanding the medium of film.”
Nanjundaiah said that the programme will provide an effective alternative to other film appreciation courses, and add value in that participants would have hands-on experience in making a short film. Understanding Cinema would recognize milestone films in traditional and non-traditional, art and commercial cinema.
He added that the distinction between so-called art and commercial cinema was diminishing, but that critics and scholars need to pay more attention to that changing nuance.
On the other hand, Wanvari elaborated on the changing scenario in television industry and pointed at the enormous possibilities of fusion between television and cinema. He expressed confidence that workshops such as this would ensure such possibilities.
The official release states that the participants will also have the opportunity to watch landmark films each day, such as Singin in the Rain, Pather Panchali, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, White Noise, Vastupurush, Sadgati, No Mans Land, and Osama.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
