Pathshala South Asian Media Institute in Panthapath, Dhaka

Despite the wealth of media talent that exists in the region, not to mention its potpourri of cultural heritage, there is currently still a significant dearth of infrastructure for proper training in photography, television and film. Although some very fine photographers and videographers have emerged in spite of this, they have all either settled overseas or work in overseas agencies. For this reason their work is hardly seen locally. There is little scope of involving their expertise in order to train our aspiring visual storytellers. A need for such a regional organization was acutely felt, particularly at the grass-root level.

Photographers and videographers here are viewed simply as technicians who deliver images for a fee, rather than as interpreters of their culture. Practitioners have found it difficult to rise above this lack of understanding and appreciation. Therefore, the general level of professionalism has so far been poor, and there is little theoretical understanding even in academic circles. In 1998, Pathshala started as an institute of photography with a particular emphasis on photojournalism. In 2010, it became a full-fledged institute for visual storytelling by setting up a new department of broadcast and multimedia. The school is now called Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.

In Business Since: 1998

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