FTII and Maharashtra Government Join Hands to Boost Film and Media Training Across the State.
Mumbai:
In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing skill development in the creative industries, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Limited (MFSCDCL), Mumbai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 21, 2025, to promote structured film and media training programs across Maharashtra.
The MoU was exchanged between Swati Mhase-Patil, Managing Director of MFSCDCL, and Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor of FTII, at a ceremony held in Mumbai in the presence of several high-ranking dignitaries. These included Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Minister for Cultural Affairs and IT Adv. Ashish Shelar, Chairman of FTII Shri R. Madhavan, and Additional Chief Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Vikas Kharge, among others.
A Game-Changer for the Creative Economy
The collaboration seeks to transform Maharashtra into a national and global hub for content creation, by equipping aspiring media professionals—especially from rural and underrepresented areas—with the technical skills and certifications required to thrive in the fast-evolving film and media landscape.
“This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “With the rapid monetization of creative spaces, even individuals from remote areas are emerging as powerful content creators. The partnership will ensure that such talent is nurtured with formal training and recognized credentials.”
He also cited the rapid growth of the NSE WAVES Index, which tracks India’s creative economy, noting that it surged from Rs.92,000 crore to Rs. 1 lakh crore since its launch at WAVES 2025 in May this year. “This surge demonstrates the urgent need for certified professionals in this booming sector,” the CM added.
Training, Certification, and Employment
Under the MoU, short-term courses in filmmaking, television production, digital editing, AI tools in media, dubbing, and voiceover will be conducted across MFSCDCL centres in Goregaon, Kolhapur, Prabhadevi, and Karjat. These courses will be designed and delivered with FTII’s academic expertise, while MFSCDCL will provide infrastructure and outreach capabilities.
Highlighting the inclusivity of the initiative, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, “This partnership will allow students from rural Maharashtra to access professional training and create meaningful careers in the entertainment industry. It also has the potential to boost tourism by promoting Maharashtra’s iconic filming locations.”
A Vision for National Growth
FTII Chairman R. Madhavan lauded the transformative impact of the collaboration, stating, “Talented individuals from small towns are already creating history. From local storytelling to global narratives, India’s creative voices are shaping the future of cinema and digital content.”
Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, outlined the course roadmap, noting that the initiative would focus on practical industry-ready training in various fields including cinematography, AI integration in production, sound design, and digital content creation.
Aligning with National Objectives
The MoU also aims to build a vibrant ecosystem by integrating academic excellence with state infrastructure and cultural outreach. It will encourage entrepreneurship, incubation, and innovation in line with the Government of India’s vision of skill development, employment generation, and making India a global leader in cultural and content creation.
This joint effort is a major step toward strengthening the creative economy, unlocking new employment avenues, and empowering aspiring filmmakers and digital creators from across Maharashtra and beyond.
