Mumbai: The Indian Express Group and Screen have announced the launch of Screen Academy, a not-for-profit platform that aims to identify, support, and mentor emerging voices in Indian cinema.
The Academy will offer postgraduate fellowships, fully funded by the Lodha Foundation, and will be supported by a diverse and elite group of industry professionals including Oscar and Cannes winners.
The Academy’s vision is rooted in building India’s creative soft power by institutionalizing access to film education, mentorship, and professional development.
Also Read: WaveX Opens Kalaa Setu Challenge for AI Innovations in Text-to-Video, Audio, and Graphics
Each year, top film schools such as FTII (Pune), SRFTI (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai) will nominate students with high storytelling potential but limited financial means. These students will receive full financial support, industry exposure, and hands-on mentorship.
“Screen Academy is an important step towards building an ecosystem that champions diversity and nurtures excellence in storytelling,” said Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group. “This is about more than awards – it’s about enabling the next generation of cinematic voices to find their platform.”
The first Screen Academy Fellowships will cover full tuition and academic expenses for postgraduate film education. Additionally, fellows will benefit from curated masterclasses, mentorship from veteran filmmakers, studio internships, and skill-building workshops – all designed to provide a launchpad into the competitive film and OTT industries.
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, praised the initiative, stating, “Mumbai is the heart of India’s film industry. The creation of the Screen Academy is a timely and vital move that will help amplify India’s creative voice on the global stage.”
The initiative is also backed by Abhishek Lodha, Founding Patron and MD of Lodha Group, who said: “Films and creative arts are India’s strength, and Screen Academy will play a vital role in shaping India’s future as a global leader in culture and entertainment.”
Also Read: Abler Sports and Entertainment Debuts as IP-Driven Powerhouse in Global Sports and Media
Prominent Film Institutions Welcome Partnership
“This fellowship will enable students from underrepresented regions to pursue their passion,” said Dhiraj Singh, Director of FTII.
“It’s a transformative effort,” added Samiran Dutta, Director (in-charge), SRFTI.
Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International, emphasized the inclusive approach:
“The collaboration ensures financial constraints do not come in the way of ambition and creativity.”
Veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali will head the selection panel and help guide fellows through their academic and professional journey.
“These scholarships will raise the bar in screenwriting and filmmaking, benefiting the entire ecosystem,” he said.
Celebrating Excellence: Screen Awards Reinvented
In addition to education, Screen Academy will now oversee the prestigious Screen Awards, with a renewed focus on artistic, cultural, and technical excellence. Academy members will form the voting body, ensuring credibility and industry alignment.
To maintain high standards, a Resident Critics Panel has been formed, featuring:
- Dr Priya Jaikumar (USC, Los Angeles)
- Priyanka Sinha Jha (Curator, Screen Awards)
- Shubhra Gupta (Film Critic, The Indian Express)
- Nikhil Taneja (Co-Founder, We Are Yuvaa)
- Anjum Rajabali (Head of Screenwriting at FTII and WWI)
“We’re creating rigorous standards to ensure fair, transparent, and meaningful recognition of excellence across cinema, theatre, and music,” said Priyanka Sinha Jha.
Screen Academy founding members include:
- Guneet Monga – Oscar-winning Producer
- Payal Kapadia – Cannes Grand Prix Winner, Golden Globe Nominee
- Resul Pookutty – Oscar-winning Sound Designer
- Ronnie Screwvala – Producer and Entrepreneur
- Subhash Ghai – Director, Producer, Founder of WWI
The full list of members will be available on www.screenacademy.org.
