Ranchi, July 22: In a major push to boost media education in the state, the Jharkhand government has signed an MoU to establish a new Film and Television Institute in Ranchi. The agreement was formalized on Wednesday at Project Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Under the pact, the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited (JFDC) will partner with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata to launch the Film and Television Institute of Jharkhand (JFTI). SRFTI operates under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is one of India’s leading film schools.
Phase-wise Launch Planned
Officials said the institute will begin operations from the Information Building in Ranchi with short-term skill courses. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, to accommodate both students and working professionals.
The initial short-term offerings will cover: Film Appreciation, Scriptwriting, Direction, Editing, Cinematography, and Animation.
From the next academic session, the institute plans to roll out undergraduate programs. Postgraduate courses will be added in subsequent phases.
Roles Defined
JFDC will handle infrastructure, equipment, and overall management of the Ranchi center.
SRFTI Kolkata will provide academic oversight, including curriculum design, faculty support, student assessment, and certification as per its standards. The Kolkata institute will also recommend reading material and a filmography for the library, and depute experienced teachers and technical experts to Ranchi.
CM: “Every Skill Behind and In Front of Camera Matters”
Addressing the gathering, CM Hemant Soren said the new institute aims to give Jharkhand’s creative youth a professional platform.
“Today, talent is reaching global audiences through films, digital content, and other creative formats. Whether you work in front of the camera or behind it, every role is valuable. This platform is being created to nurture that talent,” Soren stated.
झारखंड की सांस्कृतिक विरासत, लोककला और रचनात्मक प्रतिभा हमारी सबसे बड़ी ताकत है। झारखंड के परिपेक्ष में डॉ. रामदयाल मुंडा जी की वह पंक्ति याद आती है – जे नाची से बाची।
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) July 22, 2026
इस राज्य के आम लोगों के अंदर कोई न कोई कलाकार छुपा हुआ है। कई कारणों से शायद वह छुपा कलाकार बाहर नहीं आ पाता।… pic.twitter.com/SgmLauTMfp
He highlighted Jharkhand’s growing presence in cinema, citing National Award-winning Santali films and shoots of movies like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Dil Bechara, and Gangs of Wasseypur in the state. He also noted that noted filmmaker Prakash Jha began his education in Jharkhand.
“Earlier, careers in medicine and engineering were seen as the only options. Now opportunities exist in every sector. This institute will help young people refine their skills and build careers with guidance from reputed institutions,” he added.
Focus on Building Cinema Culture
Joint Director of the Information and Public Relations Department, Anand, said Jharkhand has a long association with cinema, with legends like Ritwik Ghatak and Satyajit Ray having filmed here. He noted that many professionals from the state are already working in major film hubs, and JFTI is expected to strengthen the local film ecosystem.
With academic support from SRFTI and infrastructure backing from the state, authorities expect JFTI to become a key center for film training in eastern India in the coming years.
