Leh, October 09: Online short courses free of cost for Schedule Tribe participants of Ladakh conducted by Film & Television Institute of India, Pune was inaugurated today through a digital medium with the commencement of a five-day Film Appreciation course. These online short courses are being organized by FTII as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration pan India. It is to mention that the last date to apply for the courses has been extended till November and applicants can apply for all the courses except for the Film Appreciation course.   

Padma Angmo, Secretary, Information, UT Ladakh; Bhupendra Kaithola, Director FTII; Prof. Sandeep Shahare, Dean TV; Prof Ganga Mukhi, Film Direction, FTII; Prof Siddharth Sinha, Film Direction, FTII; Prof Siddharth Shasta, Screen Acting, FTII; Prof Ajmal Jami, Film Cinematography, other officials and participants were present during the inaugural function.

Speaking on the occasion, Director FTII, Mr Kaithola said that the objective of imparting these online courses is to give an understanding about film-related career and job profiles to the interested film aspirants targeting pan India. Acknowledging the enthusiasm for films among Ladakhis, Kaithola stressed on the importance of doing Film Appreciation course as the first step to understand the different aspects of cinema and to choose a suitable career in the film industry. He said that it’s a great opportunity for participants from Ladakh to think seriously about studying in FTII and making a career in film-related jobs. He thanked Secretary, Information Padma Angmo for being instrumental in getting the courses started in Ladakh.

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Padma Angmo in her speech said that there is no dearth of talent in Ladakh and filmmaking too is a part of it. She emphasized on platforms and opportunities by way of providing technical training and practical exposure that will help the Ladakhi youth to excel in film-related careers. 

She said that the courses provided by FTII free of cost is a great opportunity for Ladakhi participants to know and understand the basics and technicalities of filmmaking. She informed that it is not going to be a one-time course as UT Administration have taken steps to initiate a long term partnership with FTII, Pune to explore better possibilities in film making for Ladakhis. She urged the participants to exhibit the best that they can deliver and strive to be punctual and committed.

The course instructors of all four subjects including Film Appreciation, Smart Phone Film Making, Screen Play and Screen Acting also spoke on the occasion and briefed about the course modules.