User:Ajayrainaa

Ajay Raina

Ajay Raina is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator, known for his significant contributions to the world of cinema, particularly in the domain of documentary filmmaking. Raina has garnered acclaim for his thought-provoking films that explore diverse themes, often rooted in the cultural and socio-political landscapes of India.

Early Life and Education

Ajay Raina completed his B.E in Civil Engineering from the Regional Engineering College in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, in 1985. His passion for storytelling through the visual medium led him to pursue a Diploma in Film Production from Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai, in 1986. Raina further honed his skills by obtaining a Post-Graduate Diploma in Film Direction and Screenplay Writing from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1990.

Filmography

Ajay Raina's filmography reflects his commitment to storytelling that delves into the human experience. Some of his notable works include: 

"At the Moment of Death" (Mout`e Rang, 2022): A feature-length documentary film exploring the extinction of Hindus in Kashmir.  

"Diaspura" (2019): A documentary film examining the South Asian diaspora in the USA.  

"Between Border and the Fence. On Edge of a Map" (2011): A documentary film portraying the lives of people living on the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir.  

"Wapsi" (2005): A documentary film documenting the journey to Pakistan, exploring the consequences of the Partition.  

"Tell Them, The Tree They Had Planted Has Now Grown" (2002): A documentary film capturing the experience of coming back to Kashmir as an exile.  

"Manus Maajhe Naav" (2003): A documentary portraying the life story of Baba Amte. 

Awards and Grants

Ajay Raina has received several accolades for his impactful work, including:  Golden Conch: Awarded for the Best Documentary, "Tell Them, The Tree They Had Planted Has Now Grown," at the Mumbai International Film Festival (2002).   National Award: Recognized for the documentary film "Wapsi" (2005).   IDPA Silver Trophy: Conferred by the Independent Documentary Producers Association for "Tell Them, The Tree They Had Planted Has Now Grown" (2002).   RAPA Award: Received from the Radio & Advertising Professionals Association for the same documentary (2002).   FONDS SUD Grant: Granted by the Ministry of Culture & Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France, for the feature film script "Araz." 

Festivals and Seminars

Ajay Raina's films have been showcased at numerous prestigious national and international film festivals, seminars, and discussion forums, including: Open Doors, New Delhi (2002, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2016). Trento Film Festival (2014). Prague Indian Film Festival (2011). Film South Asia, Kathmandu (2002, 2011). Festival of South Asian Films, Seattle, USA (2011). International Short And Documentary Film Festival, Kerala (2011). Mumbai International Film Festival (2002, 2012, 2018). Sydney Intercultural Film Festival (2013).

Teaching

Ajay Raina has been actively involved in imparting knowledge and nurturing young talent in the field of filmmaking. His notable academic positions include: Professor, Moving Images & Film Design: Nirma University, Ahmedabad Sr. Academic Specialist, Film & TV: Flame University, Pune Sr. Faculty: Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru. Visiting Faculty: South Asia Studies & School of Arts & Sciences, College of Liberal and Professional Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Academic Chairperson & Sr. Associate Professor: ISB&M - School of Communication. Faculty (Film Direction & Screenplay Writing): Film and TV Institute of India, Pune.

Industry Experience

In addition to his academic roles, Ajay Raina has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry, serving in various capacities: Creative Consultant: Culture Unplugged Studios, Pune, India (2008 - 2009). Script Head (Fiction): Endemol India, Mumbai, India. Producer: Dziga Collective Radio Announcer & RJ: AIR Srinagar & AIR Bombay (1983 - 1987). Associate Director/Writer: Mahayagya – Tele serial (Sony Entertainment), Abra Ka Daba – Telefilm (Sony Entertainment) First Assistant Director: Aranyaka (NFDC, 1984).

Initiatives

Ajay Raina is actively involved in various initiatives that contribute to the cultural and cinematic landscape. Some of his notable initiatives include: Founder: Kashmir Oral History. Co-curator: 'Kashmir Before Our Eyes' Travelling Film Festival. Founder: DZIGA COLLECTIVE (Film Production Co-operative).

Publications and Research

Apart from his work in filmmaking and academia, Ajay Raina has contributed to publications, book chapters, and research articles. Some of his notable works include: Book Chapter: "Film as a Majoritarian Framework of Hindu Nationalism - The Case of Purab Aur Pachhim." Book Review: ‘Conjugations: Marriage and Form in New Bollywood Cinema’ by Sangeeta Gopal – South Asian History and Culture, Volume 5, 2014, Issue 3. Article: "Going Home" – Outlook India Newsmagazine (2002). Book Chapter: "From Home to House," edited by Arvind Gigoo, published by Harper Collins (2015). Film Review: "Harud" – www.upperstall.com. Various articles in www.scroll.in / Newslaundry.com.

Workshops

Ajay Raina has actively participated in and conducted workshops, further contributing to the development of filmmaking skills and education. Some of the workshops include: Documentary Workshop for Producers of Doordarshan, FTII Documentary Workshop for Mass Media students, University of Pondicherry Documentary Workshop for Mass Media students, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir Workshops in hands-on filmmaking with underprivileged children from slums in Mumbai Workshops in hands-on filmmaking with unschooled children in Ladakh

Conferences

Ajay Raina has actively participated in conferences, contributing to discussions on memory, victimization, violence, and contested narratives of the past. Notable conferences include: "The Politics of Memory: Victimization, Violence, and Contested Narratives of the Past" – Columbia University, USA (Link).

Book Chapters and Research Articles about Ajay Raina's Films

Ajay Raina's work has been subject to academic scrutiny, with various researchers contributing to the discourse. Some notable works include: "Mobilität und Zeugenschaft" by Max Kramer. "Husband of a Fanatic" by Amitava Kumar. "Filming Reality: The Independent Documentary Movement in India" by S. A. Chatterji. "Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas" by K. Moti Gokulsing and Wimal Dissanayake (2013).

Reviews and Interviews

Ajay Raina's work has garnered attention in the media, with reviews and interviews contributing to the understanding of his cinematic contributions. Some notable coverage includes: Daily Excelsior - Voices of the Uprooted KPS. Civil Society Online - December 2013. Cafe Dissensus Blog - An Interview with Filmmaker Ajay Raina on Kashmir Oral History Project. Youth Ki Awaaz - PSBT Interview Director Wapsi. Bollywood Country - Independent Indian Filmmakers Rise and Shine at Locarno.

Ajay Raina continues to be a prominent figure in the world of cinema, contributing through his films, academic pursuits, and initiatives that enrich the cultural fabric of India.

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