CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A special lecture on “Film Journalism: Various Dimensions” was organized by the Cinema Studies Department of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. The main speaker at the lecture, held in the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium, was senior film critic Ajit Rai, while the session was presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, K.G. Suresh. On this occasion, the Head of the Cinema Studies Department, Prof. Pavitra Srivastava, welcomed Vice-Chancellor Suresh and the chief speaker Mr. Rai.
In his address to the students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh emphasized that cinema plays a significant role in society. He highlighted that cinema, as the most powerful medium of communication, has the greatest potential to bring about social change. Prof. Suresh proudly mentioned that MCU is the first institution in India to launch a course on film journalism.
Senior film critic Ajit Rai, addressing the students, remarked that cinema is an “acquired art” that educates society about itself. He noted that the landscape of film journalism has evolved considerably, with a shift from traditional journalism to influencer-driven content. Mr. Rai informed the students about magazines like Light and Sound, Hollywood Reporter, Dateline, and Variety. He also discussed the impact of international magazines that provide extensive coverage of global cinema. Ajit Rai further spoke about major international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, and Busan, and praised the young Indians who are making impactful documentaries on the international stage.