Mumbai – The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Limited (MFSCDCL), Mumbai, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 21, 2025, to boost skill development and training in the film and media sectors across Maharashtra.

The exchange ceremony, held in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, emphasized the initiative’s role in advancing India’s creative economy. The MoU was signed between Smt. Swati Mhase-Patil, Managing Director of MFSCDCL, and Shri Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor of FTII.

The collaboration will enable structured short-term courses in filmmaking, television production, and allied technical fields, leveraging FTII’s academic excellence and MFSCDCL’s outreach infrastructure. Training centers at Goregaon, Kolhapur, Prabhadevi, and Karjat will serve as hubs to educate and certify aspiring artists, especially from rural Maharashtra.

CM Fadnavis highlighted the rise of the “orange economy” and the need for formal training to help content creators access professional opportunities. He cited the rapid growth of the NSE WAVES Index—from 92,000 crore to 1 lakh crore—underscoring the demand for technically skilled talent.

Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs and IT, stressed that the program will democratize access to the film industry and spotlight iconic Maharashtra filming locations.

FTII Chairman R. Madhavan celebrated the emergence of creators from small towns, while Shri Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, outlined upcoming courses in cinematography, AI, voiceover, and digital storytelling.

The MoU envisions a thriving ecosystem of creative entrepreneurship and incubation, aligned with the Government of India’s vision to position India as a global content powerhouse.