"Criticism, positive or negative, must always be seen as a gift" - Corinna Coroneo

Actress, dancer, and author, Corinna Coroneo was born in Galatina in Salento, Italy. She studied classical and modern dance for fifteen years. In 2003, she graduated from DAMS in Bologna with a thesis on the film “Querelle”, an adaptation of the famous novel by J.Genet. Since 2004, she has been working in independent films, taking part in feature films and several short films, including “The Poet” by Mauro John Capece of 2012 in which she played the female lead. She has won various awards for her film “The Sculpture” at The Indie Fest, The International Euro Film Festival, The World Film Awards, Jakarta, and The Nez International Film Festival. In an exclusive chat with Abhijit Ganguly, she speaks about her journey in the film industry on the sidelines of The  NEZ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, an initiative by Dr. Sudeep Ranjan Sarkar, founder of NEZ Foundation.

Are there more female writers, producers, and sound engineers in the film industry today?

The presence of women in the audiovisual sector has increased compared to the past, but I think that there isn’t a complete equality of the sexes today, especially in the areas of cinema that are more technical. I also believe that the male roles are always predominant. Stories are written that continue to focus on men. But this reality has never been a problem for me. I am a woman who loves women, the different facets of the soul of women. And if I had the opportunity to produce I would do with great courage and love. I am a writer who loves to write stories about women and an actress who likes to explore. The most important thing for me is to make films, as a producer, as a writer and as an actress. I think it is more important to do what you love rather than sit there and focus on the various issues and on who has more power. I believe that the greatest power that each of us can have is to find our own ways to do what we love, go our own way, and be happy about what we do. Life is full of problems, but we have to try beauty and love everywhere.

Have you experienced gender discrimination or sexual harassment?

No, never fortunately. Discrimination for me touches other aspects, for example, the closed mind of the producer that continues to focus on simple and stupid movies, comedies, spanning the average people rather than focusing on culture and art. This is the true horror. And there is no sex difference here.

All performers at one point or another face negative criticism for their performance, and are unraveled by it because they feel they have done a great job and given it their best. How do you deal with criticism?

An actor knows how to perform an act of magic, travel and above all, know that his work will be submitted to the judgment of the viewer. An actor must never stop, must always explore and be curious. And criticism, positive or negative, must always be seen as a gift. We have to understand that we must grasp in what way criticisms can develop us. We need to bend criticisms to our service. Only in this way an actor can dig deep into the mind of the beholders and offer them even greater magic.

What has been your most challenging role and why was it been so?

Each role for me is difficult and complicated because I like to get to the bottom of the character. There aren't difficult roles for an actor- this is the essence of life, it is its oxygen. The difficulty is only in the search for that which belongs to the character and not the actor. But that's the fun part: exploring what is unknown to us daily.

What would be your dream role?

My dream role is to play a man, exploring the body and the mind of a man being a woman!

If you were to give once piece of advice to younger women you meet, what would it be?

The only thing I could say to anyone is to remain true to themselves and their integrity.

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"I think that technology in cinema is changing very fast but the techniques to craft images (the language) are the same" - Mauro John Capece

Mauro John Capece is a film director, expert in digital productions, pioneer in innovative film making, and film funding. He directs and produces features and documentaries, music videos, live music and commercials. His works have won awards at major national and international film festivals. He spoke to Abhijit Ganguly on the sidelines of The NEZ International Film Festival an initiative by Dr Sudeep Ranjan Sarkar, founder of NEZ Foundation.

One industry that has been expansively affected by technological changes is film. Both mechanical and digital innovations have influenced everything from equipment to distribution, changing how films are made and the manner in which we consume them. What are your thoughts?

I think that technology in cinema is changing very fast but the techniques to craft images (the language) are the same. As a director, it is extremely important to be updated at all times but without a correct use of the “film grammar” and the right story you cannot do anything. We have a grammar, the moving pictures language and we have an art, cinema, that is (and it will remains) the fusion of other arts. Technology is changing but the film’s language is the same as what Sergej Ejzenštejn created in 1925.

As an example, if I see a shot from the above done twenty years ago using a long jib or a contemporary shot using a drone, the grammar, the reason of that shot- it’s the same. It doesn’t matter if you are using a contemporary Ginbal, a dolly or an old Steady Cam, if you need a steady shot you will do using contemporary and cheap technology.

I don’t think that contemporary techniques are giving the possibility to spend less money to do films because the big companies are every time searching for expensive changes in technology. As an example, think to the following standards and their approximate dates of release in the industry: Vhs (1976); Betacam (1982); Video8 (1985); Digital Betacam (1993); Dv or Mini DV (1995); HD 720 or Interlaced (1998); Full Hd (2004); 3D (2006); 4k (2012); 8K (2014). Where is freedom? I shot my last feature using 4K and we spent lot of money in storage (hard drives). We probably would have spent the same amount if we had decided to shoot on film. That’s not independence.

In what ways is cinema reinventing itself to take advantage of the affordances of digital media?

In many ways. Visual Fx, Chroma Key, but not only. I really like the colour fidelity that is obtained from a digital shot Raw and I find that digital has far exceeded the emulsion film at both the definition and in terms of the possibility of intervention in post production. On the other hand I do not know whether in a hundred years magnetic media will still exist. My only fear is that one day we can live in a world without memory or art.

How Social Media has changed the game for documentary and the movie industry?

Social media is radically changing the way we live and communicate but also are facilitating large companies investing in advertising to bring OUR attention to THEIR products. On the other hand I never signed an agreement due to crowd funding or with someone you met on a social media... I NEVER made artworks or money or found a production thanks to the web. A few people in the cinema or in the documentary they live and work through social. On the other hand I really believe in the power that social media gives artists that can interact directly with their audience.

How will cinema be different a decade from now than it was ten years ago?

Now we have more video on demand, more cool tv series, more technology than ten years ago but I see deep crisis of content and interesting stories. The last twenty years are absolutely not comparable to the sixties or seventies as regard to the quality of the stories. The decay, evident in television is even more evident when we speak of the seventh art. Obviously we have interesting films... but, talking about quality and contents, we are very far from titles like Fellini’s 8 1/2 or Reitz’s Heimat, etc.

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"Acrobatic pizza–maker" - Chef Pasqualino Barbasso

Chef Pasqualino Barbasso is a man with a mission-to make high quality Italian pizza and do it in the most entertaining way. This 36 year-old pizzaiolo is among the most skilful, famous masters of acrobatic pizza-making. In the last ten years, Pasqualino has travelled around the world offering his stunning performances to enhance the quality and taste of Italian pizzas made according to true Italian tradition.When did he first engage in this unique venture of giving pizza dough an acrobatic dimension? Pasqualino says,”At the age of 17, I became a pizzaiolo. I started training for acrobatic pizza two years later to enhance my skills. I have my own school and business in Italy. It is a good opportunity to show pizzas around the world. This is because people not only like to eat but also like to watch.” Recently, La Cucina in Hyatt Regency, Kolkata, organized special cooking classes conducted by Chef Pasqualino Barbasso.

So what are the key ingredients in an Italian pizza and what is the special technique to make the dough so elastic? Pasqualino says, “You need to have the best ingredients. You never compromise on quality, and never go for cheap ingredients. You have to let the dough rise for 24 hours before using it. You need good olive oil, good mozzarella ,fresh tomatoes.” Coming to his Indian sojourn, what local dish has he enjoyed so far? Pasqualino smiles, “It’s difficult to remember the names, but I liked paneer, kebabs and various kinds of Indian breads. During my workshops, I have found the staff to be good, innovative and open to new things.” His advice for aspiring chefs? He feels, “Follow your passion. A chef’s profession is like any other profession. Don't think only about the money. Money may come quickly, but if you don’t work in the right way, success won’t last for long.”

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“We prefer to stay underground rather than compromise on taste”- Yuvraj Chhetri

Rusty Nails (originally from Darjeeling )is a blues, rock and jazz fusion band from Nepal. The outfit that have played at Moksh, House of Music, Jazz Festivals, Safari camps and National events in Nepal and India. In their thirty years of touring, they have played more than 5000 gigs, including shows at the Palmers Street Jazz. Festival (Australia), Razzberry Rhinocerous (Mumbai), IIT Mardi Gras (Chennai), the Kingdom of Bhutan.They have been winners of the IIT Spring Fest (Kharagpur) and, every year, they play at the Darjeeling Tea and Tourism festival, organized by the Government of West Bengal. Recently, Yuvraj Chhetri (Guitarist/ Vocalist,founder member), Hemraj Chhetri (Drums/ Vocalist ,founder member) and Shawn B Pyngrope( bassist) of Rusty Nails  performed with Laura Ann and Danny Khawas at the  SOAR Live Music Concert in Kolkata.  Abhijit Ganguly spoke to Yuvraj about the bands journey.

How did the name of the band-Rusty Nails come about?

The name came about when we're growing up in the 80's in India when the country had not developed as much as now. India was considered one of the less developed countries. As a result we felt like we were like rusty nails in a hinge of a door which was breaking apart. Moreover we grew up in Darjeeling a district of West Bengal which was neglected and in a time of the uprising.

How do you describe Rusty Nails sound? What characterize your music philosophy?

Rusty-nails sound is influenced by the blues, rock, jazz and funk. It's basically a fusion of different genres especially the aforementioned ones. The music philosophy has always been anything that is good is considered good in music and anything that is bad is bad and according to our ears we pick the good and play and get inspired. Philosophy of the band is that We prefer to stay underground rather than compromise on taste.

Where does Rusty Nails draw its inspiration?

Our Inspiration is drawn from good true musicians. The likes of BB King,Sting, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd and so many out there.

Do you think that platforms like YouTube and MySpace are necessary for putting new bands’ music out there?

Myspace and YouTube is a great platform I guess. In our times, when we were younger we had no-space and no-tube !. I think we had been famous and a household name by now but no regrets absolutely whatsoever.

How do you see the music scene both in India and Nepal? Do you think musicians have a better chance at a professional career now than before?

The music scene in India is growing slowly but steadily apart from Bollywood which is on fire I guess commercially. But in Bollywood also we have seen the rise of quality over the years.  Nepal has a long way to go, it is laid back. Although it's a good place to train yourself . Let's keep that place for climbing and trekking. That's what it is best for and the recent devastation calls us to play music and raise funds for our fellow humans who are suffering there

Your word of advice for aspiring bands?

My suggestion for aspiring musicians is not to give up .We didn't have internet. Not only that we had no proper gears when we were starting out. Its not a piece of cake but Never give up!!

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"Most young people are naive about the amount hard work and dedication it takes to succeed in a creative field" - Bill Shotton

Bill Shotton holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Music Theory. He has won several awards for music composition and song-writing. Bill has many years of experience teaching music and directing musical productions for young students, most recently at The Todd Academy, a private school in Indianapolis, Indiana. Recently, Bill was here in Kolkata for a workshop titled “Songs of the Sea” organized by The Park Street Ladies  Circle, where students got to learn  songs with nautical themes including Sloop John B, and The Rule of the Ocean. 

How did your tryst with music happen?

I guess it started with my family. One of the things we would do as a family, when I was young, was listening to records together. We used to know the same songs and same songs and that’s how I had gained a lot of interest in listening to music. There was a hard time in my 20's and basically I had lost my job. I decided to earn a living that time by playing the piano and it wasn’t been easy at all. But I decided to do so.

Considering the fact that some of your songs revolve around social issues, what do you hope people will be inspired to do, or what you hope people will be motivated to do, when they listen to your music?

 

I acknowledge that the world is fraught with many complicated issues, and simple solutions are often not possible. However, I believe that there is too much fear and not enough sympathy in the world. My opinions regarding social issues will fall into this philosophy, and I suppose this is what I want others to get from such songs.

 

Is there a certain artist that inspired you as you were growing up? Or is there a certain philosophy that has always guided you during your music making?

 

The first three musicians I knew as a child: John Prine, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. These three were pioneers of country and folk music. Then around age 11 I fell madly in love with classical music. I had a cassette Walkman that I would listen to at night while in bed. I found Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart to be especially profound. As a teenager I discovered the Beatles in my Dad's record collection and they opened up the history of rock. So from there: The Doors, The Stones, Pink Floyd, etc.

 

A lot of young musicians would love to study music at Berkley or any other institution; however not many have the means to. That being said, do you think a formal education in music is important?

 

It all depends on what you want to do. A formal education is important for success the academic world, and the world of art music. True geniuses can bypass all of this, but they are very rare. If however, your goal is to become a great musician you can do it on your own if you find the right teachers and work really, really hard. Most young people are naive about the amount hard work and dedication it takes to succeed in a creative field. I used to think that my talent was enough; it's not.

 

For you, what is the significance of the process of collaboration – bringing your perspective together with other artists and their world views/creative visions? Are you looking at collaborations with Indian musicians?

 

The creative process is a habit that is isolated in the artists brain. When we collaborate, the process becomes shared externally.  Collaboration not only changes the outcome of the joint project, it can also have a permanent effect on your creative habits. I am very much interested in collaborating with Indian musicians,  but so far I haven't had any luck making connections.

 

In today's world, once one starts making music professionally, just making good music does not suffice.  What are your views?

Well it begs the question, suffice for what? For fame and wealth? No. If you are dreaming of becoming a rock star,  you have to sell more than music, you also have to sell culture, attitude, style, and sex. Even then, you have to be in the right place at the right time and know the right people. But does it suffice to earn a modest living and a parcel of happiness? I think so, but that is a question each musician must settle individually.

 

The theme of your workshop here in Kolkata was “songs of the sea”. Why the Nautical theme?

 

Well, I worked with the Park Street Ladies Circle for this workshop, and two ladies from the circle arranged everything for me- it was great they were very professional and knew what needed to be done. They suggested having a theme. I chose the Nautical theme because there are a lot of good songs about the sea: Yellow Submarine, and Sloop John B, for example.

 

What is your word of advice for aspiring singer songwriter?

You need to learn other people songs. Learn to play other people’s music. Learn the classics; people who have done it well. Then try to write your own songs. The aim of the songwriter is to evolve some kind of emotional response. So, if you don’t feel anything yourself, you are not going to get any response from other people.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about Kolkata?

The architecture and the crows. The colonial style blended with the aged look along with the abundance of crows gives it a gothic feeling. Kolkata is one of my favourite city!

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"Many people are using mindfulness in the workplace and benefiting from it" - Martine Batchelor

                                                                                          pic courtesy - budismosecular.org

Martine Batchelor spent ten years in a Korean monastery studying Zen Buddhism. She works as a lecturer and spiritual advisor, and her books include Principles of Zen, Walking on Lotus Flowers, and Buddhism and Ecology. She lives in the South of France. She speaks to Abhijit Ganguly.

Why has mindfulness become such a popular theme in our modern culture?

It has become a popular theme in our modern culture because it is pragmatic, portable, and secular. Although it is a practice which comes from the Buddhist tradition, one does not have to be a Buddhist or believe in the Buddha to cultivate it and benefit from it. Jon Kabat Zinn, the founder of this modern and applicable mindfulness had very good results with his patients -- whether they were people with heart problems or were suffering from painful conditions. A friend of mine who suffered severe burns was given the choice between a course of mindfulness or more medication. She decided to try out mindfulness and it radically changed her ways of dealing with painful sensations. She found it a great relief and a revelation.

What are your views about bringing mindfulness into the workplace?

Many people are using mindfulness in the workplace and benefiting from it. First, it can help people to be more efficient and focused on the task at hand. Being fully present in a caring and careful manner, but also in a stable and open way helps one to take to the task with creativity and fullness, and leave it behind totally without regret, and then move on to the next thing.

Mindfulness also enables us to deal with difficult people and situations better.

Can it enhance leadership qualities?

It could if a leader is someone who cares as much for himself/herself as for others, who acknowledges that he/she can make mistakes as well as other people; but who can also have great ideas. It could enhance one’s potential for patience, endurance, wisdom and creativity.

Perhaps the most interesting intersection in the business world is between mindfulness and technology, as they appear to pull in opposite directions. What are your views?

Mindfulness and technology can go hand in hand, again, it depends how you use mindfulness and technology. I have various meditation friends who have developed meditative apps, which people find to be very useful to cultivate mindfulness on the go. Another friend developed a programme for a teenager called .b which works very well in school. You have Buddhist Geeks conferences. Mindfulness can also help to use technology more skillfully and wisely. Again, it depends what kind of technology one is talking about. There are different sorts of application of technology.

It seems like there is a general trend towards increased social responsibility for companies and their employees. What role do you think mindfulness plays in this?

In a Buddhist sutra, the Buddha mentions the six duties or responsibilities of the employer towards his employees and vice versa. In a later Chinese sutra (5th century CE), dedicated to the ethical precepts of the person aspiring to awakening one is enjoined to treat well one’s employees and to use resources wisely and compassionately. In more recent times, the Quaker industrialists in England wanted to provide jobs and do commerce with an ethical attitude.

Nowadays, there is also talk about social responsibilities for companies and their employees. The practice of mindfulness could be having some influence. If one cultivates mindfulness, one is cultivating a more caring and careful attitude which will encompass all activities and relationships including appropriate livelihood. In the USA there is a series of conferences called Wisdom 2.0 which is involved in these kind of discussions with Google and Microsoft and other companies for example.

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