Hindi
ISFM introduces post graduate program in film making
MUMBAI: International School of Film & Media (ISFM) has introduced a post graduate program in filmmaking. The course covers each aspect of filmmaking from both theoretical and practical standpoints and is available in two formats: a ten month program in which classes run Monday to Friday for eight months followed by a two-month internship and alternatively, for students who are working or studying full time, there is also a 14 month part time program on two weekday nights and Sundays with an optional internship.
The curriculum integrates “intensive study” in all the major filmmaking disciplines including screenwriting, direction, production, editing, sound, cinematography and acting.
Students are handed a Macbook Pro fully loaded with editing, sound-mixing, screenwriting, and producing software at the beginning.
The institute, founded by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna and the Akkineni family, is located within the sprawling 22 acres of Annapurna Studios, creating the largest campus of any film school in Asia, ISFM claims. The campus offers 10 sound stages, permanent sets and post production facilities.
ISFM CEO Kurt Inderbitzin said, “Our students study inside the largest film school campus in Asia, they use the latest technology and they experience a world-class curriculum. We are also building a fantastic alumni network. After a student graduates from ISFM, they remain part of the ISFM family for their entire career. We will have private job boards that are only accessible by our graduates, as well as networking and educational events.”
ISFM VP admissions & marketing Chris Higgins added, “The Akkineni family always insisted that this film school and courses should operate at international standards, and the new PG course is no exception. The students will learn each aspect of filmmaking from the best faculty from India and abroad and they will be fully prepared for their entry into the industry. This is why we are guaranteeing an internship for every student.”
The PG courses will commence in November 2011.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
