FTII okays new syllabus, courses

PUNE: The governing council of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has approved key proposals, including the introduction of new syllabus, choicebased credit system and additional courses, as suggested by the institute’s academic council.

Gajendra Chauhan — whose appointment as the chairperson of the institute was opposed by students citing his lack of vision and stature — chaired the governing council’s meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday which cleared the proposals submitted by its academic council in June. While there was no discussion on the nomenclature of the institute, the nod to the proposals paved the way for the implementation of the “vision document”.

“We are looking at making FTII an institute of higher learning where there will be more subjects as well as shortterm courses on offer,” said FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola.

When asked if FTII will be renamed, Kainthola said, “The council has not yet decided about the nomenclature, although for the sake of convenience we are calling it University of Cinema, Television & Allied Arts.”

Noted filmmaker and television producer BP Singh, who heads the academic council, proposed broad basing the course content. The proposal envisages setting up of nine schools under the aegis of FTII that will offer 22 courses, including short-term courses, besides core subjects like direction, cinematography, acting, editing and sound design.

“To introduce changes, small committees will be formed. Once they submit their report, the changes will come into effect by next year,” said Kainthola.

The institute will introduce new syllabus from August under a semester system.