Tag: FTII

Films

गुंतता हृदय हे (Entangled) Wins 11th Recognition, Shines at Maiden ‘Celebrating India Film Festival’

Tanisha Cardozo

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, proudly celebrates yet another international achievement by its alumni as the short fiction film गुंतता हृदय हे (Entangled) continues its inspiring journey across global film festivals. Directed by FTII alumnus Sainath Uskaikar and written and produced by esteemed faculty member and alumnus Dr. Milind Damle, Entangled has been awarded Best Film in the Short Fiction category at the inaugural Celebrating India Film Festival held in Delhi.

This prestigious recognition marks the film’s 11th award, reinforcing its reputation as a cinematic gem within the short film landscape. Entangled has previously won accolades such as Best Cinematography at the Mumbai International Film Festival 2024 (NFDC), Best Film at the 21st Kalpanirjhar International Short Fiction Film Festival in Kolkata 2023, and multiple honors at Paridrishya Short Film Festival in Mysore, including Best Actor Male, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design. It also secured Best Director and 2nd Best Film at Chitra Bharati Film Festival 2024.

In addition to its award tally, Entangled has been selected for screening at some of the world’s most respected film events, including the Nepal International Film Festival, INPUT Conference in the USA, Jaffna International Film Festival, Signs Film Festival, World Cinema Film Festival, South Asian Short Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, and the Indo-German Week in Berlin.

The continued recognition of Entangled stands as a testament to the talent and creative vision nurtured at FTII. It exemplifies the institute’s enduring legacy of producing cinema that resonates across cultures and borders. The institute extends heartfelt congratulations to Sainath Uskaikar, Dr. Milind Damle, and the entire team behind Entangled for this remarkable achievement and looks forward to many more such milestones in their cinematic journey.

Entertainment

Screen Academy Launches to Identify and Empower Future Voices of Indian Cinema

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, July 8, 2025 – The Indian Express Group has officially launched Screen Academy, a bold and visionary not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting emerging talent in Indian cinema through fellowships, mentorship, and formal education.

Screen Academy will work in partnership with India’s leading film institutes — FTII (Pune), SRFTI (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai) — to identify exceptional students who demonstrate storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to continue their education. These students will receive fully funded postgraduate fellowships, along with access to industry mentorship from some of the country’s most respected film professionals.

Backed by the Lodha Foundation and conceptualized by Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, the initiative is designed to institutionalize excellence and build an ecosystem that celebrates and nurtures creativity in cinema.

“We will create an ecosystem that not only celebrates excellence but actively nurtures diverse and promising talent with both financial aid and access,” Goenka said.

A Powerful Line-Up of Members
The Academy’s founding members include award-winning producers, directors, and screenwriters:

  • Guneet Monga – Oscar-winning Producer (The Elephant Whisperers)
  • Payal Kapadia – Cannes Grand Prix winner
  • Resul Pookutty – Oscar-winning Sound Designer
  • Anjum Rajabali – Screenwriter & Academic
  • Subhash Ghai – Founder, Whistling Woods
  • Ronnie Screwvala – Founder of RSVP Films

More members will be announced on www.screenacademy.org.

Educational Integration with National Institutions
The Academy’s 2025 fellowships will begin with FTII, SRFTI, and WWI, with future plans to expand to other film schools. Selected students will receive full tuition support and gain hands-on learning through:

  • Masterclasses by leading filmmakers
  • Internships with top production houses
  • Industry mentorship and ongoing professional support

“Some of our students come from very modest backgrounds,” said Samiran Dutta (SRFTI). “The Screen Academy fellowships will give them the chance to tell their stories to the world.”

“Access to quality education transforms lives,” added Meghna Ghai Puri (WWI). “This is about ensuring creativity isn’t blocked by lack of funding.”

Recognition Through the Screen Awards
Screen Academy will also oversee the revival of the iconic Screen Awards, with voting conducted by its members to ensure credibility. These awards will celebrate artistry and innovation across Indian entertainment including film, music, regional cinema, and new media.

A special Resident Critics Panel has been formed for transparent evaluations, featuring:

  • Dr. Priya Jaikumar (USC)
  • Priyanka Sinha Jha (Curator)
  • Shubra Gupta (Indian Express)
  • Nikhil Taneja (We Are Yuvaa)
  • Anjum Rajabali (WWI, FTII)

About Screen
Re-acquired from Disney in 2024, Screen has re-emerged as India’s leading digital-first entertainment brand. With over 40 million monthly users and programming in Hindi, English, Marathi, and Tamil, it continues to serve as a hub for authentic, engaging entertainment journalism.