Ranchi: Jharkhand on Wednesday moved to set up its first dedicated film and television training institute, with the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation (JFDC) signing an MoU with the Kolkata-based Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) for the Jharkhand Film and Television Institute (JFTI) in Ranchi.The agreement was signed in the presence of chief minister Hemant Soren.JFTI will initially operate from Suchna Bhawan and offer short-duration certificate courses. Undergraduate programmes are proposed later this year. SRFTI will provide academic and technical support for course design and student training.In the first phase, the institute will offer practical training in sound design, film editing, animation, script and screenplay writing, cinematography, direction and film production. Officials said the curriculum would also prepare students for opportunities in OTT platforms, digital filmmaking and social media content creation, besides conventional cinema.Hemant said the initiative would give aspiring filmmakers and creative professionals in Jharkhand access to formal technical training within the state. “Jharkhand has many talented people whose potential has not been fully explored. Through this partnership with SRFTI, they will get access to modern technical training and facilities.” he said.“We hope this platform will help our youth develop their skills and find opportunities in the film and media sector,” the CM said.He also said several successful films, including MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Gangs of Wasseypur and Dil Bechara, had been shot in Jharkhand. Hemant also cited the recent National Film Award won by Santali short film Aangen as an example of local talent gaining national recognition.SRFTI vice-chancellor Samiran Dutta said, “The objective is to provide professional training that meets contemporary industry requirements while creating opportunities for students from the state.”Hemant also felicitated National Award-winning filmmakers Biju Toppo, Raviraj Murmu and Niranjan Kujur, besides filmmaker Anuj Kumar.
