Filmmaker: Don't just learn filmmaking in school

Aspiring filmmakers should immerse themselves in reading and watching movies before delving into technical training, according to Chilean director Pablo Larrain. Speaking at the International Film Festival of Kerala, Larrain suggested that a broad understanding of literature, philosophy, and sociology is more vital than formal film school education for developing a unique point of view.

Larrain also discussed the inherent politics in any depiction of human perspective, noting the friction created by the interplay of past settings and present filmmaking contexts. He posited that this layering offers interesting insights into how historical periods are perceived and represented across different times.

The filmmaker further expressed concern over the current threat to individual identity, attributing it to the pervasive influence of social media. He argued that people are increasingly defined by external perceptions rather than self-definition, a complex issue exacerbated by the digital landscape.