Mani Kaul, one of the leading figures in the Indian New Wave cinema, will suggest that much as history gave birth to cinema, the arrival of the digital coincides with the establishment of capitalist market in a global economy. In that market the belief in ‘immediacy’ has acquired prime importance and the notion of immediacy finds an unfortunate accomplice in the digital. Therefore, unless a work of the digital or film is made and immediately grasped it has little or no value in the present day system of distribution and exhibition. Eventually will the digital remain a-historical? The digital technology is, on the other hand, universally available and at an affordable price. It equally facilitates a democratic use of technology with those lacking control over means of production able to voice their opinion.

Will the digital production alter the definition of art? What will make the digital reveal its own unique and distinct character? Or is it too soon to predict since the art of digital filmmaking (and viewing) is still in its infancy? What are the existing contrasts between film and video? Are the two comparable?

Date 19 July 2006, Wednesday
Time 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Venue Siri Fort Auditorium 4