Pune: In a historic move in Kashmir Valley where cinema halls closed down more than two decades ago, FTII will be conducting a Film Appreciation course in Srinagar, the first-ever in Jammu and Kashmir.

This was decided after a meeting between Khurshid Andrabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir and Bhupendra Kainthola, Director, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Srinagar today. Both sides agreed to deepen the cooperation by exploring the idea of a MoU in order to institutionalise the FTII short courses in Kashmir University.

Director FTII invited the students of Media Entertainment Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University to FTII for training in multi-camera operations and announced that from next year  FTII may include Srinagar as a centre for FTII entrance exams for the benefit of youths in the Valley. Currently Jammu serves as the only examination centre in Jammu and Kashmir.

Director FTII, Pune also visited Central University of Kashmir and held talks with the Dept of Convergent Journalism to hold short courses in Screenplay writing, Acting,Digital cinematography and Film Appreciation. Talks were held to bring FTII faculty to the University for external assessment of student projects.

Led by Director FTII , a delegation comprising Prof. Sandeep Shahare and Prof Milind Damle participated in the 5-day Kashmir World Film Festival (WKFF) in Srinagar. As part of the event, Prof Shahare made a presentation on FTII’s new outreach initiative SKIFT  (Skilling India in Film and Television) and the possibilties for Kashmiri youth. A large number of students, including several women, attended the presentation and inquired about the short courses and showed interest in the regular courses. Prof Damle’s lecture on the mechanics of film making was listened to with rapt attention by over 100 college students. WKFF festival concluded with Awards being presented by noted actor Rajat Kapoor, Director FTII and the film jury.