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About the department

The Department of Animation Cinema at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute offers a distinctive 2-year Master’s programme with a bridge course. The programme redefines animation education by treating it as a sophisticated form of cinematic expression, moving beyond traditional perceptions of animation as mere cartoons. The department’s curriculum integrates artistic vision with technical expertise through:

Overview of the Programme

The Master’s Programme in Animation Cinema is an advanced three-year programme that combines artistic excellence, technical proficiency, and industry relevance, addressing the evolving needs of the animation and film industry. The curriculum integrates traditional art fundamentals with cutting-edge digital technologies, ensuring students develop comprehensive skills necessary to thrive in the contemporary animation landscape but also in the overall film and media Industry as a whole.

Throughout this programme, students progress through a carefully structured journey, beginning with bridge courses in the first year that establish strong foundational skills in art, design, live-action filmmaking and animation principles. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects Including Art History, Film Studies, Advanced Drawing, Animation Principles, Digital Tools, and Production Techniques.

In the second year, students delve deeper into specialized animation techniques, exploring various forms such as 20 classical animation, stop-motion, 3D animation. The programme incorporates practical projects, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in creating animated shorts and other creative works. More focus is given in the subject of storytelling ability and narrative structures as well as an in-depth knowledge in the art of animation film-making which the Industry

The final year focuses on advanced specialisation, students engage with subjects like. Documentary Animation, Stop Motion Animation, VFX and Game Design and culminate their learning with a degree film project. Throughout the programme, students also gain exposure to industry practices through studio visits, film festivals, and practical workshops.

The programme is structured as a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, with each semester offering a balanced mix of mandatory courses and hands- on projects. Students have opportunities to explore various aspects of animation through workshops, master classes by industry professionals, field study, festival visits, ensuring a well-rounded education in the field.

Practical implementation is facilitated through state-of-the-art facilities and industry- standard tools, including both traditional art materials and digital animation software. The programme emphasizes both individual creativity and collaborative work, preparing students for the collaborative nature of the animation industry.

The curriculum also focuses on developing research capabilities and critical thinking skills through courses in Research Methodology and the completion of a Master’s thesis. This approach ensures that graduates can contribute not only to the industry but also to the academic advancement of animation studies.

Programme Specific Objectives

The Master’s Programme in Animation Cinema aims to cultivate well-rounded professionals who blend artistic sensitivity with technical expertise. Our pedagogical approach rests on seven fundamental pillars: artistic mastery that shapes visual expression, technical prowess that brings imagination to life, compelling storytelling that engages audiences, production excellence that ensures professional standards, innovative research that pushes creative boundaries, industry integration that ensures real-world relevance, and ethical practi practices that guide responsible content creation. This comprehensive framework ensures our graduates emerge as thoughtful creators who can navigate both artistic and technical demands of contemporary animation.