A six-day basic course in smartphone filmmaking commenced on April 20 at Government Degree College Drass and will continue till April 25, 2026. The programme has drawn enthusiastic participation, with 30 registered candidates including college students, local youth, Army personnel, faculty members, and media professionals.

The course is being conducted with the support of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and the Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM), with the aim of equipping participants with practical skills in mobile filmmaking and digital storytelling.

The inaugural session was held on the college campus in the presence of faculty members and participants. Principal Nasir Shabani, in his address, expressed gratitude to FTII and LSDM for organising the programme in Drass. He encouraged participants to make the most of this learning opportunity and assured that the college would continue to host similar programmes for the capacity building of youth in the sub-division.

The resource person for the course, Sukhan Saar Singh—a noted cinematographer, writer, and director associated with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata—delivered the inaugural lecture. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting key aspects such as visual storytelling, framing, lighting, sound, and editing using smartphones.

Course Coordinator Dr Javed Naqi outlined the structure of the six-day programme and briefed participants on the schedule, learning outcomes, and guidelines to ensure the smooth conduct of the training.

The course is expected to provide a valuable platform for participants to develop creative and technical skills in filmmaking using accessible technology, fostering new avenues for storytelling and self-expression in the region.