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There are figures in cinema who shape films, and then there are those who shape filmmakers. The Maker of Filmmakers, released at the 30th IFFK, belongs firmly to the latter tradition.

Unveiled by acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan at a function held at Hotel Hycinth, the book traces the life and legacy of Jagat Murari-documentary filmmaker, producer and one of the key architects behind the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Written by Murari’s daughter, author Radha Chadha, the book weaves together personal history and institutional memory to chronicle a transformative phase in Indian cinema.

Speaking at the event, Adoor Gopalakrishnan underlined the decisive role played by Jagat Murari and FTII in positioning Indian cinema on the world map. He reflected on Murari’s far-sighted vision, which nurtured generations of filmmakers, including Adoor himself, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan, shaping a creative culture that extended far beyond the classroom.

Drawing from Murari’s diaries, letters and interviews, Radha Chadha said the process of writing the book revealed the depth of her father’s engagement with cinema as both art and pedagogy. She noted with pride that Kerala accounts for the largest number of FTII alumni, a testament to the institute’s enduring influence in the state.

Published by Penguin Random House, The Maker of Filmmakers doubles as an important historical document, offering film students and cinephiles a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Indian cinema. The release, organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, was attended by several prominent figures from the cultural and cinematic fraternity.