Screen Academy Launched, to Tap New Voices in Indian Cinema; Top Filmmakers on Board

The Indian Express Group and Screen on Wednesday announced the launch of Screen Academy, a pioneering not-for-profit initiative that will nurture and showcase exciting new voices in Indian cinema.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

With a fast-expanding list of talented members, including Cannes and Oscar winners Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia and Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, the academy will work with some of India's top film institutes to identify and empower the next generation of filmmakers through education, representation and recognition.

Established with the support of founding patron Abhishek Lodha of Lodha Foundation, the academy will offer annual post-graduate fellowships to students nominated by their film schools. The students, who show exceptional storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to pursue formal film education, will be considered for the fellowships.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the timing of the initiative and the location couldn't be more relevant.

"The film industry has an inseparable association with Mumbai. I am thrilled to learn of the inception of the not-for-profit Screen Academy by The Indian Express Group. I am certain that the Indian film industry will benefit immensely from the new filmmaking talent the academy aims to cultivate," he said.