Tag: visual storytelling

Human Interest

Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta Honoured with Certificate of Journalistic Excellence at Global Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

At the prestigious Global Awards for Excellence 2025 held at Taj Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru, eminent photojournalist and creative artist Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta was conferred the international Certificate of Journalistic Excellence. Organised by the England-based Global Book of Excellence, the ceremony honoured over 55 distinguished personalities from India and across the world for their outstanding contributions and social impact.

The award recognises Dr. Dasgupta’s fearless journalism, artistic brilliance and exceptional ability to convey powerful truths through compelling visual storytelling. With more than 17 years of experience, his work has consistently highlighted social realities and brought meaningful narratives to national and international platforms. His multiple world records in reverse mirror writing, dedicated to the nation’s martyrs, further reflect his unique creative expression rooted in purpose and patriotism.

Dr. Dasgupta holds an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Chennai University and has received several prestigious accolades, including the India Star Independent Award and a special Live Art Recognition from Kala Academy, Goa. A versatile creative personality, he excels in photography, music, recitation, art, design and innovative community-based initiatives, earning wide appreciation. A marathon medalist as well, his journey continues to inspire through originality, discipline and social commitment.

The ceremony was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Padma Shri awardee Dr. Syed Kirmani, former Director General of Police Ashith Mohan Prasad, IPS, actress Karunya Ram, spiritual coach and author Sri Kartikeya Das of ISKCON, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, internationally acclaimed artist Prithviraj Choudhury and National Awardee Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, among others.

This international recognition marks a significant milestone not only in Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta’s journey but also for the creative and journalistic fraternity. His dedication to ethical journalism, artistic excellence and social responsibility continues to inspire future generations.

Events in Goa, IFFI 2025

IFFI Closes International Section on a High with Thailand’s Surreal Gem A Useful Ghost

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Thailand’s A Useful Ghost brought a vibrant and surreal close to the International section at the International Film Festival of India, leaving audiences both amused and contemplative. Directed by Ratchapoom, the film explores a whimsical narrative in which a ghost returns not as a human, but as a vacuum cleaner—a playful yet deeply symbolic choice reflecting the real-world dangers of dust pollution that claim the life of the protagonist. The unusual approach was born from Ratchapoom’s desire to break free from conventional depictions of ghosts, blending subtle supernatural elements with unexpected sci-fi touches to create something quietly intimate and visually inventive.

Cinematographer Song Pasit described the film’s visual style as a deliberate interplay between humor and gravity, embracing a philosophy of “don’t be afraid not to be cinematic,” which allowed the team to experiment freely with color, framing, and surreal visual motifs. Behind the scenes, associate producer Tanade Amornpiyalerk highlighted the limited but emerging opportunities in Thai cinema, an industry dominated by Hollywood releases with around 30 local films released annually. Despite these constraints, Ratchapoom emphasized his belief that films should go beyond pure entertainment to express meaningful ideas, a principle evident in A Useful Ghost.

Actor Wisarut Homhuan shared that the role was both challenging and transformative, marking a milestone in his career. Having worked across TV and digital platforms, Homhuan explained that opportunities for film actors in Thailand remain scarce, making his performance in this film a breakthrough moment for recognition within the cinematic landscape. The global journey of the film, from an offbeat concept to festival acclaim, left Ratchapoom astonished and elated. “Who would have thought such a film with such a crazy idea could travel so far and reach so many people?” he remarked, reflecting on the unexpected resonance of his quirky, thoughtful creation.

A Useful Ghost demonstrates the power of imaginative storytelling, blending social commentary with whimsy, and showcasing the evolving face of Thai cinema on the international stage. Its success at IFFI reinforces the notion that even the most unconventional ideas, when executed with heart and vision, can captivate audiences worldwide.