In a country like India with a rich heritage and vibrant culture, visual storytelling has been a common language that binds us all. Today, visual art forms are more than just artworks in a museum. They have transpired into tools that convey a message with subtlety or as expressively as you need to be.

Whether you just getting started with photography or are a seasoned film maker – the world listens when your shutter speaks. And the impact you create, is multi-fold.

But what does it take to be a storyteller and captivate your audience in a single frame? The recipe is more than just passion and hard work; it is about paying extra attention to refine every detail. In a recent conversation with award-winning Filmmaker and vivo Imagine Jury Zoya Akhtar, we got down to the bottom of understanding what makes a story click to connect with its audience.

Zoya Akhtar, one of India’s leading filmmaker and a jury member for vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career as a filmmaker. How did your early exposure to the visual effects world influence your career?

I grew up with writers, so stories are a part of my being. My parents worked in the film industry and films were part of our life in a way that is more than entertainment. The visual medium was literally encouraged and now when I look back it was educational. Films were watched, dissected and explored. Without realising we learnt the language of cinema. How the camera frames a shot, what it says when it moves and when it doesn’t. I am also deeply influenced by photography and art. I feel being an avid fan and follower of both those mediums has influenced my visual sense and world building as a director. 

Q. Can you share some of your favourite projects where you feel visual storytelling played a crucial role in conveying the narrative?

With each project I work with my key crew to develop a style and rule book for that particular story. Even though I tend to be quite classical in my shot taking, I believe each story is unique and needs its own palette, its own pace, and grammar.  All my work, from Dil Dhadakne do, Gully Boy, Lust Stories to Archies have very distinct worlds and styles. For example,  In DDD, we kept the characters in Mids and Wides – there are about 2 or 3 scenes that have a close up. We wanted to be observational in lens – like we were Pluto the dog watching his human family. Gully Boy, the visual representation of Mumbai’s streets as would be Murad’s world was integral to bringing the story to life. We stayed outside all areas that wouldn’t be accessible to him till he himself could enter. Also, we wiped out the blue from Mumbai and never saw the sea. It gave a feeling of no space, something the character felt. Lust Stories was shot in one apartment, designed in a way that one day went into the other seamlessly, everyone moved on, people came and went, and Sudha remained doing the same thing day in and out. Archies was a whole new world; we wanted to take the Indian colonial hill stations and depict them like in a story book. Also, we lensed in like the films of the 60’s, it gave a sense of the period.

Q. What role do you believe visual storytelling plays in impacting audiences emotionally and intellectually?

Visual storytelling is a powerful tool because it transcends language and cultural barriers. It taps into universal feelings, allowing audiences to connect with the story on a deeper level. None of the above answer may be obvious to an audience but it creates a subliminal setting and world.

The use of colour, lighting, composition, or movement can guide the audience’s emotional journey and evoke an emotion in them. It’s this combination of all the above that makes visual storytelling such a potent medium for filmmakers.

Q. Can you discuss your association with the vivo Imagine campaign and how it aligns with your vision and philosophy as a filmmaker?

My association with the vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards is rooted in our shared belief of the power of visual storytelling. The campaign’s focus on encouraging people to express their perspective through images, to show us how they see the world resonates deeply with me.

As a filmmaker, I believe that everyone has a unique take, and photographs are an incredible way to share it. It’s exciting to be part of a campaign that celebrates the art of visual storytelling and empowers others to explore their creative potential.

Q. How do you see the role of visual storytelling evolving in the future of cinema and digital media?

The future is incredibly exciting, especially with the rapid advancements in technology. In cinema, I see a greater fusion of traditional storytelling techniques with AI, creating more immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. Digital media offers new platforms for visual storytelling – short films, web series, virtual reality experiences, and more. These mediums allow for more experimentation and personalization, enabling filmmakers to reach diverse audiences in innovative ways. I believe storytelling will, becoming more inclusive and dynamic.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers on mastering the art of visual storytelling?

My advice to aspiring filmmakers would be to tell their story, to show the world how they see life. No other person is you, so trust that and know what you bring to the table will be unique. Also look at the masters, filmmakers, writers, photographers, and artists. You will only learn. For consistency, one needs input so feed yourself with good work, expand your mind and then play. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different visual styles and techniques. It’s also essential to understand that every visual choice should serve the story you’re telling. Finally, stay curious, stay inspired, and remember that the most powerful stories often come from a place of authenticity and emotional truth.

Zoya Akhtar, jury member for vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards Season 3

To take the art of visual storytelling to the next level and encourage smartphone users to delve deeper into smartphone photography, vivo kick started vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards. In its third season, vivo is inviting photographers and photo enthusiasts to showcase their skill across Nature & Landscape, Night & Light, Architecture, Motion, Portrait and Street & Culture Architecture, Night and Street Photography to claim their winning shot. For more information, head to https://www.vivoimagine.com/