Award-Winning Feature Film Editor & FTII Alumnus – Narrative Film Editing & Masterclass Mentorship-Premiere Pro/Avid Media Composer

Working as an associate editor for my professor, Anzar C Chennat on Nishiddho (2022) was a transformative experience in my journey as an editor. I entered the project with a basic understanding of editing, but assisting him opened my eyes to the deeper, intellectual side of the craft. It’s not just about skill or technical talent as editing requires a profound understanding of storytelling, pacing, and emotional impact.

Our workflow allowed me to learn hands-on. I would create a rough cut of each scene, bringing my interpretation to the footage. Then, I’d watch him make multiple timelines for the same scene, each telling the story in a different way. This approach showed me that an editor has to make choices that serve the narrative, sometimes even with limited or unconventional footage. Nishiddho presented unique challenges, with scenes that lacked traditional coverage or key shots. Yet, through his meticulous process and creative solutions, he transformed the raw footage, bringing the director's vision to life on the editing table.

One of the most valuable techniques I learned was the use of audio overlays, an effective tool to fill gaps and enhance storytelling impact. His encouragement and appreciation of my contributions to Nishiddho gave me the confidence and motivation to take on new projects. This foundation has been pivotal in my work here in Canada, including editing a low-budget independent film.

These experiences also taught me how underrated and underappreciated editing can be. Watching the impact our work had on the final product made me realize the quiet, unseen power of a well-crafted edit, and the skill it takes to convey emotions through subtle choices. Thanks to his mentorship, I am more prepared and inspired than ever to pursue my dreams in the film industry.