Film and Television Institute of India

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is a premier film institute located in Pune, Maharashtra. Established in 1960, it is one of the oldest and most respected film schools in India, known for its contribution to the Indian cinema industry. The institute operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

FTII offers a range of courses in film and television production, including direction, cinematography, editing, sound design, and acting. The institute is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including film studios, editing suites, and sound mixing studios.

History

The origins of FTII can be traced back to 1960, when the Government of India established the Film Institute of India (FII) in Pune. The institute was set up with the aim of providing training in film production and promoting the growth of the Indian cinema industry.

In 1974, the Television Training Wing (TTW) was added to the institute, and it was renamed as the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Over the years, FTII has produced many renowned filmmakers and actors who have made significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Some of the notable alumni of FTII include Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, among others.

Courses Offered

FTII offers a range of courses in film and television production, both at the graduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the main courses offered by the institute include:

• Three-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Film Direction: This course covers various aspects of film direction, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, and post-production.
• Three-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Cinematography: This course covers the technical and aesthetic aspects of cinematography, including camera operation, lighting, and color grading.
• Three-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Editing: This course covers the principles and techniques of film editing, including digital editing, sound design, and visual effects.
• Two-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Acting: This course covers various aspects of acting for film and television, including improvisation, character development, and audition techniques.
• One-Year Postgraduate Certificate in Television Direction: This course covers the principles and techniques of television direction, including multi-camera production, live broadcasting, and studio management.

Apart from these main courses, FTII also offers short-term courses and workshops in various aspects of film and television production.

Facilities

FTII is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for film and television production. Some of the main facilities available at the institute include:

• Film Studios: FTII has three film studios, each equipped with the latest cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Editing Suites: The institute has several editing suites equipped with the latest digital editing software and hardware.
• Sound Recording and Mixing Studios: FTII has well-equipped sound recording and mixing studios for dubbing, foley, and sound design.
• Preview Theatres: The institute has preview theatres for screening films and conducting workshops and seminars.
• Library: FTII has a well-stocked library with a collection of books, journals, and films related to cinema and television.

Admission Process

Admission to FTII courses is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of seats each year. The admission process typically involves an entrance exam followed by an interview and practical test.

The entrance exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of cinema, television, and related fields, as well as their creative and analytical skills. Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview and practical test, where they are assessed on their aptitude and potential for the chosen course.

Controversies

FTII has been embroiled in several controversies over the years, mainly related to the appointment of its chairpersons and the institute’s autonomy.

In 2015, the appointment of actor Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of FTII led to widespread protests by students and alumni, who questioned his credentials and accused the government of political interference in the institute’s affairs. The protests lasted for several months and led to a temporary shutdown of the institute.