Ranchi: In a landmark step towards transforming Jharkhand into a major centre for film, media and creative arts education, the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited (JFDCL) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata.
The agreement paves the way for establishing India’s third premier Film and Television Institute in Ranchi, after the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and SRFTI, Kolkata. The initiative is expected to provide world-class training in filmmaking, television production and digital media, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening Jharkhand’s cultural identity.
Historic Milestone for Jharkhand
The collaboration marks one of the biggest investments in the state’s creative education ecosystem. For decades, aspiring filmmakers, cinematographers, actors and media professionals from Jharkhand had to move to other states for professional training, often facing financial and geographical challenges.
With the new institute, students will now have access to quality education and practical industry exposure within the state itself.
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World-Class Campus to Come Up in Ranchi
Under the agreement, SRFTI Kolkata will provide its academic and technical expertise to establish a modern campus equipped with advanced filmmaking technology and infrastructure.
The project includes:
- Preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by SRFTI.
- Development of a permanent world-class campus in Ranchi.
- Industry-oriented curriculum aligned with the evolving film, television and OTT sectors.
- Training by experienced faculty and industry professionals.
The institute is expected to become a major centre for cinema and digital media education in eastern India.
Boost to Employment and Creative Economy
The proposed institute is expected to generate significant opportunities for Jharkhand’s youth while supporting the state’s growing creative economy.
The initiative aims to:
- Create skilled professionals for cinema, television and OTT platforms.
- Reduce migration of students seeking media education.
- Generate employment in filmmaking, entertainment, tourism and allied sectors.
- Promote entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
Officials believe the project will also encourage film production in Jharkhand by creating a pool of trained professionals.
Preserving Jharkhand’s Cultural Identity
Apart from professional training, the institute is expected to provide a national and international platform for Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage.
The initiative will help showcase:
- Tribal traditions
- Folk arts
- Indigenous storytelling
- Local literature
- Regional history and culture
By integrating local narratives with professional filmmaking, the institute is expected to strengthen the state’s cultural identity on a larger platform.
Ten Certificate Courses Announced
The institute will initially offer 10 practical certificate programmes covering major aspects of filmmaking and digital media:
- Film Appreciation
- Screen Acting
- Screenplay Writing for Television and OTT
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Direction for Short Fiction Films
- Digital Cinematography
- Digital Editing
- Sound Recording and Designing
- Production Management for Cinema and Television
- News Anchoring, Reporting and Newsroom Automation
These courses are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across the rapidly expanding media and entertainment industry.
Flexible Course Structure
Students will be able to choose from multiple course durations depending on their interests and career goals.
The proposed structure includes:
- Course Duration: 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
- Regular Classes: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Weekend Practical Sessions: Dedicated hands-on training for shooting, editing and post-production activities.
The emphasis will be on practical learning alongside classroom instruction.
A New Hub for Media Education
The establishment of the institute is expected to position Jharkhand as an emerging destination for film and television education in India. Beyond training professionals, it is likely to encourage film production, attract industry collaborations and contribute to tourism and economic development.
With the signing of the MoU, Jharkhand has taken a significant step towards building a robust creative ecosystem that can nurture talent, preserve regional culture and open new avenues for young professionals aspiring to build careers in cinema, television and digital media.
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