#IFFIWood, 26 November 2025

Day 7 of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) featured three impactful Masterclasses that collectively explored the creative, critical, and technological dimensions of contemporary filmmaking.

Beyond the Thumb – The Role of a Film Critic

A dynamic roundtable brought together renowned international critics to discuss the evolving role of film criticism in the digital age. The session examined how critics today function as gatekeepers, influencers, and cultural mediators amid social-media disruptions and AI-generated content. Speakers emphasized the continued importance of thoughtful, credible reviews in supporting independent and debut filmmakers.

Costume and Character Arc: The Trendsetters of Cinema

VFX pioneer Pete Draper delivered a compelling masterclass unpacking the full visual-effects pipeline—from pre-production planning to on-set execution and final post-production. Drawing from his experience on films like Baahubali, RRR, and Eega, Draper offered participants rare insider knowledge and practical guidance on creating large-scale cinematic visuals.