FTII ready for overhaul, to introduce 22 new 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 offering additional courses, suggested by its academic council.
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 offering additional courses, suggested by its academic council.
Gajendra Chauhan, whose appointment as the chairperson was opposed by students — who alleged that the TV actor lacked vision and stature to head the prestigious institute — chaired the governing council’s meeting held in Mumbai on Tuesday that accepted the proposal submitted by its academic council in June this year.
While there was no discussion about the nomenclature of the institute, the proposed changes accepted at the governing council’s meeting paved way for the implementation of the “vision document”.
“We are looking at the future to make FTII an institute of higher learning where there will be more subjects as well as short term courses on offer,” FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola told Hindustan Times.
When asked if FTII will be renamed once the proposed changes are implemented, Kainthola said, “The governing 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 different 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 the changes which are part of the vision document, small committees will be formed. Once the committees submit their report, the changes will come into effect by next year,” Kainthola said.
The FTII also decided to move away from the current system of annual assessment and replace it with a choice-based credit system. The institute will introduce new syllabus from August under a semester system.
While the existing batches would continue to be covered under the old system, new batches will have to learn under the new syllabus.
The GC also approved the appointment of a proctor and new rules regarding hostel accommodation to bring discipline on the campus and ensure that students vacate the hostel after the completion of their course.
Last year, FTII had asked dozens of students — who had completed their course — to vacate their hostel rooms amid an agitation seeking Chauhan’s removal as the institute’s chairperson.