Panaji: Storytelling through images

PANAJI: Seven professionals from various fields in Goa gathered on a common platform to tell inspiring stories through 20 pictures with a narration time of just 20 seconds per image. This was at PechaKucha, a unique storytelling format recently held at 91 spring board, Panaji.
Translating as ‘chit chat’ in Japanese, the concept of PechaKucha took off in Tokyo in 2003, when architect duo Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham hosted an informal evening of presentations at their gallery.The format required individuals to present a story using 20 images about which they are allowed to speak for just 20 seconds. While the initial presentation was restricted to architects, the concept has since spread to over 1,000 cities and open to people from diverse professional fields.
“The new format makes sure that your presentation does not drag on. One has to keep pace with the story and cannot divert from the subject,” said Ravi Kambhoj, the organiser of PechaKucha in Goa, adding that there are lots of storytellers and creative people in the state who need a space to present their ideas in a unique manner.
Khambhoj plans to make PechaKucha Nights a monthly event that delves into various themes and takes place at various locations at various indoor and outdoor locations across the state.
This month’s theme is professionals and the theme for next month, in the light of the international film festival of India (Iffi), will be cinema. December’s theme will be art and literature.
“I have spoken in an informal set-up before, but this format being more visual, it brought in an element of discipline,” said, Rumana Roowala, a food outlet owner, who was one of the presenters. The line-up also included, fashion designer Philu Martins, PR professional Sapna Sahani, India Beach fashion Week founder and CEO Pallav Ojha and pioneer of slacklining in India Samar Farooqui.