The Indian Express Group has launched Screen Academy, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing India’s next wave of cinematic talent. Backed by the Lodha Foundation, the academy will annually offer postgraduate fellowships to promising students from top film institutes who lack financial resources. The initiative is supported by renowned figures like Oscar winners Guneet Monga and Resul Pookutty, Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia, and screenwriter Anjum Rajabali. Fellows will receive mentorship from industry veterans, access to internships, and opportunities for professional development.
Institutes like FTII, SRFTI, and Whistling Woods International have welcomed the initiative, citing its role in bridging educational gaps for aspiring storytellers from diverse regions. Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, called it “a bold step to institutionalise excellence.” Abhishek Lodha said the Academy aligns with India’s ambition to become a creative superpower by 2047.
The launch is expected to inspire regional talent in the Northeast, where interest in filmmaking and digital content creation is growing. Aspiring artists from Assam and nearby states now have a promising national platform to showcase their stories. The Academy will also host the prestigious Screen Awards, further cementing its role in promoting cinematic excellence. Application details are available at www.screenacademy.org.