GUJRAT: A seminar on ‘Translation and Screen Writing’ as part of a series of talks on creative writing was held at the Hafiz Hayat Campus of University of Gujrat on Tuesday.

The seminar was organised by the Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CeLTS). Renowned screen writer, film director and scholar Riaz A. Gull was the chief speaker on the occasion.

The objective was to introduce students to screen writing and its connection with literature and translation.

CeLTS Patron Ambassador Tauheed Ahmad, CeLTS Coordinator Ghulam Ali and Head of the English Department Dr Riaz Mangrio were also present.

Gull said: “A movie or drama is like a stunning and attractive poem in which a story of an era, a life or an age is pictured using the best possible words in the form of dialogues, and film and drama have become the most important form of communication in the present age.”

He said screen writing was a complicated process and could be grasped only through vast study of literature and use of modern techniques.

He advised scholars to develop reading habits besides writing scripts and watching movies for becoming genuine script writers.

He highlighted various techniques of script writing, emphasising on different aspects of filmmaking and acting. He said economy of words and relevancy of theme were essential ingredients of screen writing and translation.

The writer-director further said classic work was made through hard work, enthusiasm and team work. He said study of various techniques used in movies based on literary masterpieces was helpful in becoming a good script writer.