Ashok (left) taking his first day as president | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ashok Kashyap’s appointment as the chairman of the Karnataka Film Academy has given the industry a reason to celebrate as it is rare for a cinematographer to be elected to the academy.
Ashok is not only one of the most acclaimed cinematographers of the Kannada film industry, but is also a prolific writer, director and producer with big and small screen presences.
As president, he dreams big. “I have to go ahead of my predecessors. As a cinematographer, I understand cinema from the ground up and hope to use my experience to meet the needs of the fraternity,” says Ashok who has studied cinematography in Karnataka Won State Award Shapa,
Ashok wants to spread awareness about various aspects of film making in rural areas. “I want to get youth interested in film through workshops and seminars.”
Ashok, whose name is synonymous with blockbuster including sh!, karulina coogu, upside down And Uppi 2, Currently busy with the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF). “We are a digital world today, which makes the world a smaller place with easy access to worldwide contacts and movies. BIFF will also have seminars, talks and world cinema this year. We plan to screen many more films from around the world.
After BIFF, Ashok says the goal is to provide film literacy to every nook and corner of Karnataka. “We are also working on a non-fiction short film festival at the district level.”
According to Ashok, living in a time where technology and digital platforms flourish is an asset for both the audience and the filmmakers. “Earlier, film distribution was limited to a few people, but today, we have service providers who have become distributors themselves. These changes are great for small producers as their options have increased. The technology is available and the interaction also comes on a one-to-one basis. A platform needs content and a filmmaker needs a platform. So it works both ways. ,
It is essential to stay informed about every new development in your area, says Ashok. “Apart from technical knowledge one must also be aware of the rights of the film and the value of its content. For example, earlier, pirated versions of films were shown in buses during long distance travel. unless they buy travel rights.”
A cinematographer is like a painter who brings a story alive on screen, believes Ashok. “Kannada films have done well in the last few years and we need to work collectively to take our industry to the next level.”
Ashok is currently working with writer MS Ramesh on a children’s film and a film based on Kashmir.