Home to one of the world’s most phenomenal and influential film industries in the 20th and 21st centuries, India is a cultural hub that attracts millions of film enthusiasts from around the world. Indian cinema has a global audience that continues to appreciate the diverse and unique style of filmmaking that perfectly signifies the rich cultural background of the country.
“Bollywood,” the Hindi film industry, produces some of the best globally accredited motion pictures. In India, however, Bollywood is not the only hype. With over 100 individual languages spoken in the country, each with its cultural significance, the film industry in the country is arguably the most vibrant. What better location to dive into the art of filmmaking than a country like India? Here are some of the top film schools in the country that would help beat a path to a successful career in filmmaking.
Is a Film Degree in India Worth Pursuing?
While filmmaking is an industry in which personal skill plays an important role, pursuing a film degree can be worth the time and effort. Especially if you are passionate about the industry, getting into a film school in India might be the golden ticket for pursuing your passion for filmmaking.
Whether it’s scripting, casting, directing, producing, or cinematography, you can learn and equip yourself with all the required skills to thrive in the industry in India. Film schools in India welcome international students and deliver programs in the English language with the affiliation of experts in the field, ensuring that high standards of education are met.
Top Film Schools in India for International Students
India boasts a rich cinematic history, and its film schools have played a pivotal role in shaping the talents behind the camera. These institutions offer comprehensive training, molding the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.
1. Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
As a government-regulated institution, the Film and Television Institute of India is one of India’s most popular film schools under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In an attempt to encourage students to learn the art, the fee structure here is very straightforward and reasonable. As an international student, you would find it convenient to manage your expenses in the country as it has a very supportive environment.
FTII offers programs in direction, scripting, cinematography, editing, sound design, production, screen acting, TV direction, and more. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline could pursue a postgraduate diploma program here at this institute.
FTII is located in Pune, on the same grounds as the former Prabhat Studio. Prabhat Studio is a reputed archaic studio of the 20th century, having produced some of the oldest popular films. The institution is now using the resources and heritage structures of the iconic studio.
2. Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT)
Accredited by multiple international bodies and affiliated with the International Film and Television Research Centre, AAFT Noida ranks among the top universities for film and cinematography worldwide. The official website states that the university ranks 10th in World Rankings.
Having been a pioneer in providing media and arts education for over 30 years, AAFT has a huge alumni network of over 30,000 students and 1000+ celebrity interactions. Due to its significant role in India’s film industry, it has garnered attention from students from around the globe. Currently, over 120 nationalities of students are enrolled in graduate and postgraduate programs at this reputable institution.
The core advisory council of AAFT has some prominent faces in Bollywood, like Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, and Prof. Karl Bardosh. Students who get into a study program here will surely have their skills nurtured under professionals in the field.
3. Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)
Named after the internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning film director Satyajit Ray, SRFTI is an institution established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India. The institute has global recognition thanks to its numerous coveted national and international awards and accolades under its name, which is quite a regular feature in its track record of achievements.
SRFTI nurtures the filmmaking skills of students from different countries around the globe. The hands-on experience and comprehensive training sessions provided here have enabled students to produce work that is awarded internationally.
Eligible students who have completed a graduate degree program in any discipline could follow a 3-year postgraduate diploma program here at SRFTI. These programs vary from animation cinema, EDM management, cinematography, direction, and screenplay to writing, editing, producing, and sound engineering.
4. Whistling Woods International
Since its inception in 2006, Whistling Woods International, located in Mumbai, has continued to garner global recognition for its communication and creative media service. Not only was it promoted by prominent names in the Indian film industry like Subhash Ghai, Film City Mumbai, and Mukta Arts, but the institute was named by Hollywood Reporter as one of “the best film schools in the world” back in 2014. This comes after the school was first ranked among the top 10 film schools by the Hollywood Reporter just 4 years after its inception.
Programs offered here are across multiple filmmaking facets, including acting, costuming, event management, animation, music, and more. As an international student, you can rest assured that your artistic skills are cradled at the hands of a world-renowned body for filmmaking.
5. Annapurna International School of Film and Media
- Location: Hyderabad | Medium of Instruction: English
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- Study Program
With a significant name in the Indian film industry, the Hyderabad-based Annapurna International School of Film and Media is a sought-after studio/ institution in the country. Founders and faculty members of this college are from the Akkineni Family, which today has produced many talented actors for the Indian film industry.
The academic advisory board comprises a mix of languages and cultural variety. It includes prominent figures like Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Hema Malini, Mani Rathnam, Kamal Haasan, and more, which are names of legendary contributors to Indian cinema.
Thanks to the expert academic team, the school continues to provide students with all the required material, including studios and outdoor shooting sites, to facilitate upcoming talent. Being able to follow a program here as an international is sure to bolster your career in filmmaking.
Flying overseas to pursue your passion for filmmaking might be one of the drastic decisions you make in your life. Determining which program, university, or country to pick could be intimidating. Being home to one of the most acclaimed film industries, India is sure to offer a program that suits your best interests.
We hope this article on the best Film schools in India was helpful. Visit the Asia Scholarships Page to learn more about universities and scholarships in Asia!
