The Indian Express Group and SCREEN have launched SCREEN Academy, a new not-for-profit initiative aimed at discovering and empowering the next generation of filmmakers in Indian cinema.
Nurturing India’s Future Filmmakers
SCREEN Academy is a pioneering effort designed to identify, educate, and support promising new voices in the Indian film industry. It aims to foster a new wave of cinematic talent through financial aid, mentorship, and industry recognition.
With generous backing from the Lodha Foundation, the Academy will annually provide postgraduate fellowships. These fellowships are for students nominated by top film schools who show exceptional storytelling potential but lack the financial means for formal education.
Support from Industry Leaders and Officials
The initiative has garnered strong support from various sectors. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis praised the timing and location, noting Mumbai’s inseparable link to the film industry. He believes the Academy will significantly benefit Indian cinema by cultivating new talent.
Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, highlighted the Academy’s role in institutionalizing excellence in entertainment. He emphasized creating an ecosystem that not only celebrates talent but actively nurtures it with financial support and access to opportunities.
Abhishek Lodha of the Lodha Foundation sees the Academy as crucial for India’s soft power and growth in creative arts. He stressed the importance of films in India’s journey to becoming a global leader by 2047.
Academic Excellence and Industry Integration
The SCREEN Academy Fellowships 2025 will offer full financial support for postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions. These include the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, and Whistling Woods International in Mumbai.
Beyond funding, fellows will gain access to an unparalleled mentorship program. Industry veterans and Academy members will provide masterclasses, internships, and ongoing professional guidance. Directors from FTII, SRFTI, and Whistling Woods International all expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its role in bridging financial gaps and fostering talent.
A distinguished panel led by veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali will select the fellows. Rajabali noted that this initiative will provide much-needed support for young people to access formal education, benefiting the film, TV, and OTT sectors by improving the quality of writing and filmmaking.
Who Are the Academy Members?
The SCREEN Academy boasts a diverse list of members representing various facets of the industry. This includes Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia, Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, and industry stalwarts like Ronnie Screwvala and Subhash Ghai. Their collective expertise will guide the Academy’s mission.
Recognizing Cinematic Brilliance
In addition to its educational mission, SCREEN Academy will oversee the renowned SCREEN Awards. This ensures that artistic brilliance and innovation in Indian entertainment are recognized with credibility and industry expertise. Academy members will serve as the voting body for these prestigious awards.
A Resident Critics Panel, comprising esteemed academics and critics, will establish rigorous criteria for evaluation. This panel will ensure fairness and credibility in honoring outstanding contributions across various art forms, including cinema, music, and regional productions.
The Enduring Legacy of SCREEN
For over 80 years, SCREEN has been a trusted voice in Indian cinema journalism. Established in 1951, it was the first film newspaper in India and is home to the popular SCREEN Awards. The Indian Express Group re-acquired SCREEN in 2024, transforming it into a digital-first platform.
Today, SCREEN is one of India’s largest entertainment news destinations, reaching 40 million users monthly in four languages. It continues its legacy of recognizing the film industry’s art and science, a vision championed by its founder, Ramnath Goenka, decades ago.
- SCREEN Academy is a new not-for-profit initiative by The Indian Express Group and SCREEN.
- It aims to nurture and empower new voices in Indian cinema through fellowships and mentorship.
- Fellowships will cover postgraduate studies at top film institutes like FTII, SRFTI, and Whistling Woods International.
- The Academy includes prominent industry members like Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia, and Resul Pookutty.
- It will also oversee the prestigious SCREEN Awards, ensuring credible recognition of cinematic excellence.
This initiative marks a significant step towards institutionalizing support and recognition for emerging talent, promising a brighter future for Indian cinema.
