The November edition of Talk Cinema On The Floor brought filmmakers, students and cinephiles together as cinematographer Harsh Virag and author Ved Kumar Sharma shared insights on cinematography, storytelling and creative clarity. The session highlighted NDFF’s commitment to a collaborative cinema culture in Delhi-NCR.
NDFF’s Talk Cinema On The Floor Brings Delhi’s Film Community Together for Craft and Creativity
“Content is merely raw material — not art. It becomes art when a director interprets it, shapes it, and gives it meaning.”
These were the words of cinematographer and film educator Harsh Virag, speaking at the November Chapter of Talk Cinema On The Floor, a monthly interactive initiative by New Delhi Film Foundation (NDFF).
Organised every month in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), the event marked its sixth consecutive chapter this November. Supported by institutions such as IICS and MESC, the interactive gathering once again brought together filmmakers, students, technicians, writers, young professionals and cinephiles of Delhi-NCR.
This was the sixth consecutive edition since June, reaffirming NDFF’s commitment to build a serious, sensitive and vibrant creative ecosystem in the region—where film practitioners and cinema lovers can meet, learn, collaborate and grow together. Each chapter has introduced new experts and fresh perspectives, turning TCOTF into a unique community-driven cinema space in the capital.
Opening & Warm-Up
The event began with a welcome note followed by a lively warm-up introduction round, where participants—young filmmakers, students and creative professionals—shared a line about themselves and shared their personal connection with cinema.
This interactive beginning set an open, friendly and creative tone for the entire afternoon.
ALT EFF Environmental Film Festival – Introduction
SACAC Director Daljeet Wadhwa introduced the upcoming ALT EFF Environmental Film Festival, jointly organised by SACAC and NDFF next month. She spoke about the festival’s environmentally conscious vision, highlighting that the two-day festival will feature international films, curated exhibitions and panel discussions centred around global environmental narratives.
Craft & Crew: Special Session with Cinematographer Harsh Virag
The Craft & Crew segment featured Harsh Virag, an experienced cinematographer with over fifteen years in the film industry and extensive engagement as a film educator. Currently associated with the Asian Academy of Film & Television, he spoke about the creative use of mobile phones, DSLRs and professional cinema cameras—explaining that a camera is not merely a device but a language of emotions and storytelling.
Through film slides and visual examples—from Citizen Kane and Hitchcock to Pather Panchali and Christopher Nolan—he explained how cinematography builds the visual grammar of a film.
Harsh also elaborated on the crucial difference between videography and cinematography, emphasizing that while videography records moving images, cinematography creates visuals that evoke intended emotions.
The session proved immensely valuable for young and emerging filmmakers.
Writer’s Word / Author’s Angle – Featuring Author Ved Kumar Sharma
This chapter also featured the second edition of TCOTF’s new segment Writer’s Word / Author’s Angle.
The guest this time was author and translator Ved Kumar Sharma, who has authored I Can Make You Happy, Zindagi Jashn Hai, done motivational writings and translated several major Russian literary works.
He discussed the emotional integrity of storytelling and how sensibilities move from literature to cinema. He also emphasized why mental clarity is essential for every writer and filmmaker.
His reflections offered both creative and psychological insights to the audience.
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Community, Campaigns & Announcements
NDFF Founder Ashish K. Singh shared updates on ongoing initiatives such as the Make Cinema campaign, the upcoming Environmental Film Festival, future workshops and other creative activities. He also touched upon evolving trends in cinema and the influence of technology.
Closing & Networking over Tea
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Harender Kumar on behalf of NDFF.
This was followed by the signature networking segment ‘Chai & Chit-Chat’, where participants interacted freely with each other and with the guest speakers, building new creative connections and a strong cultural community in the capital.
NDFF will soon announce the December Chapter of Talk Cinema On The Floor.