Hindi
Film tourism convention ‘Locations’ attracts delegates from 10+ countries
NEW DELHI: The fourth edition of the annual film tourism convention IIFTC Locations Show 2016 will take place in three locations – Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai – this month.
Organized by the Film Federation of India, the IIFTC Locations Show will to take place in Chennai on 23 February at Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Hyderabad on 25 February at Radisson Blu Plaza and in Mumbai at JW Marriott, Juhu on 27 February.
According to a study conducted by Mercury Integrated Marketing Services, more than 200 Indian film are shot abroad in over 50 countries around the world every year.
IIFTC Locations Show promises to be a grand affair with participation from various Asian, African and European countries vying to garner a larger slice of this ever increasingly foreign shoots market in India.
IIFTC Locations Show 2016 will see participation from some exotic countries such as Kenya, Namibia, South Africa (KwaZulu Natal), Fiji, Spain, Germany, Sri Lanka and Thailand among others.
FFI secretary general Supran Sen said, “Our filmmakers are constantly looking for new and exotic destinations to shoot. At IIFTC Locations Show, FFI will gather the most prodigious Indian film makers and studios under one roof to meet the visiting delegations of tourism and cultural ministries from various countries and states.”
IIFTC director Harshad Bhagwat added, “Films have been one of the most vital motivations for putting a destination on a travel itinerary. Films provide many positive impacts for the destination in terms of economic and cultural value, brand awareness and positive image building. With IIFTC, we aim to create conducive environment for Locations Scouting for creative industries in India as well as a credible B2B platform for film induced tourism promotion.”
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
