Hindi
Focus on Spanish delegation at Mumbai Film Mart
With a reputation of being the platform for opening up new non-traditional markets for Indian cinema, the Mumbai Film Mart (MFM), held during the Mumbai Film Festival, is all set to further fuel the business of films. MFM 2013 will be held at Vivanta by Taj President, Cuffe Parade, Colaba between 18-20 October 2013.
Among the numerous initiatives being launched this year, the MFM will welcome and host the official Spanish delegation for co-productions with a delegation from the Spanish Federation of Producers (FAPAE) along with senior decision makers from the Spanish Ministry, Tourism and Film Commission.
As a founder trustee of MAMI, ex-president of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India and ex-chairman of Reliance Entertainment, Amit Khanna said, “As we move towards a global cinema, co-production and collaborative cinema achieve a huge significance. Spain and India share a passion for cinema and make natural partners to work together in the field of cinema and TV for mutual advantage.”
Indian producers, directors, investors and film commissions who may have projects they wish to develop and co-produce in Spain or if keen on co-producing the official delegation’s projects set in India, have been invited to register for the Mumbai Film Mart and attend a special presentation on 18 October followed by one-to-one meetings over the next two days at the MFM.
Speaking on the same, MFF festival director Srinivasan Narayanan said, “Our aim with this initiative is to foster greater cultural and cinematic ties with Spain through an exchange of ideas between the visiting Spanish producers and film commissioners with their Indian counterparts.”
Additionally, registered MFM delegates will have the opportunity to promote, meet and interact with leading global buyers, broadcasters, exhibitors, festival programmers, producers and sales agents amongst others. As an added advantage, MFM delegates can submit DVDs of up to four projects to ‘The Filmy Room’, an exclusive viewing facility accessible to the invited guests and buyers of the MFM.
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
