Row erupts at SRFTI over denial of entry to filmmaker Ronny Sen

A fresh row erupted at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) after students alleged that filmmaker Ronny Sen was stopped from holding a workshop for students of the institute.

While the students alleged that the Emmy-nominated filmmaker was harassed by security personnel, a press statement from the institute said that Mr. Sen entered the “campus illegally on November 12 by climbing over the perimeter wall”.

A statement by Blossom Hazarika, president of SRFTI students’ union, said police presence at the main gate was increased and barricades were placed so that the filmmaker could not enter the institute.

The union alleged that Mr. Sen was not allowed to interact with students despite his willingness to conduct the workshop at any available location.

“Ronny Sen was ready to take the class wherever possible; however, the administration didn’t allow him to interact with the students of SRFTI, even outside the gate. Students gathered outside the gate of SRFTI and sat down to start the workshop on the road. However, Ronny Sen was denied that as well and was asked to leave by the administration with the help of Kolkata Police,” the statement by the SRFTI students’ union said.

The students alleged that since October 15, the administration has shut down the institute, closed off the mess, and all basic facilities and now, the “administration is on a rampage to deny us our right to education”.

The students’ union alleged that this was the third instance of the administration preventing filmmakers from engaging with students. Filmmaker Ranjan Palit had been stopped on two separate occasions when he attempted to conduct classes, it claimed.

In a press release, the institute’s registrar reiterated that no external individual or organisation is permitted to enter the campus without prior authorisation from the competent authority.

“All concerned are urged to respect institutional protocols and refrain from actions that may disturb campus peace or impede restoration of normalcy,” the press statement signed by the registrar said.

SRFTI has been on the boil since September 27, when a clash broke out between a section of students and members of a right-wing organisation who were holding an event inside the institute’s auditorium.

The administration has alleged vandalism by a section of students at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Several students have received show-cause notice and six students have faced rustication. The classes at the institute have been suspended till December 11.