Jharkhand signs MoU with SRFTI to set up state’s first film institute

Jharkhand signed an agreement with Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) on Wednesday to establish the state’s first Film and Television Institute, a move Chief Minister Hemant Soren said would create new opportunities for youth in the film and creative industries.

The Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited (JFDCL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SRFTI to establish and operate the Film and Television Institute of Jharkhand.

Soren said the institute would provide young people access to world-class technical education and training in film media and creative fields. He said Jharkhand has immense talent but needs opportunities and proper guidance to help youth realise their potential.

The institute will initially offer short-term courses in areas including sound design, editing, animation, writing, screenplay, cinematography, direction and production. The courses will be conducted at Suchna Bhawan in Ranchi.

“I’m confident this institute will ignite the dreams of Jharkhand’s youth and significantly contribute to their national and international recognition,” Soren said.

SRFTI Vice-Chancellor Samiran Datta said the agreement marked the beginning of a shared vision to promote film and media education, nurture creativity and strengthen India’s creative economy.

He highlighted Jharkhand’s natural beauty, tribal heritage and cultural traditions, saying the institute would help young people transform these stories into cinematic and audio-visual works.

Several acclaimed films, including Dil Bechara, Kala Patthar, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Gangs of Wasseypur, A Death in the Gunj and Phulmani, have been shot in Jharkhand. The state has also been associated with Satyajit Ray’s films such as Pather Panchali, Apur Sansar and Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest).

Recently, Santhali film Angen, directed by Ravi Raj Murmu, won the Best Debut Film Award at the 72nd National Film Awards.