For aspiring filmmakers with big dreams and limited means, there’s now a powerful new platform to turn ambition into reality. The Indian Express Group, in partnership with the Lodha Foundation, has launched Screen Academy — a not-for-profit initiative offering fully-funded postgraduate fellowships to exceptional students from leading film schools such as FTII Pune, SRFTI Kolkata, and Whistling Woods International, Mumbai.
More than just financial aid, the Academy provides access to industry mentorship, internships, and masterclasses from cinema icons like Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia, and Resul Pookutty. With a strong focus on inclusivity, it aims to empower creative voices from across India. The Academy will also manage the prestigious Screen Awards, ensuring credible and expert-driven recognition of talent in film, music, theatre, and other art forms.
W where interest in filmmaking and digital storytelling is rapidly growing, the initiative is expected to generate excitement among the youth. Local creators now have a rare chance to access national platforms, gain exposure, and build meaningful careers in cinema and content creation. Students can apply through their film schools, and more information is available at www.screenacademy.org. This is a chance to turn passion into profession.
