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About the department

The Direction and Screenplay Writing Department at SRFTI (Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute) is renowned for its exceptional reputation both in India and internationally. This department offers a comprehensive and specialized educational programme, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical training in various aspects of filmmaking.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Film Language and Form, Film History, Film Theory, Screenwriting, and more. The programme includes two semesters of a Bridge Programme for students enrolling in MFA courses within the Film Wing, and a full four-semester MFA course in Film Direction and Screenwriting.

These courses cover a wide range of topics, from field research and shooting techniques to post-production processes, offering hands-on exposure to both fiction and documentary filmmaking. Students are not only taught the technical aspects of filmmaking but also encouraged to develop their artistic sensibilities, critical thinking, and awareness of societal issues and cultural histories.

Guest filmmakers of global repute regularly conduct workshops, providing students with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to filmmaking.

The Department has a legacy of excellence, with student films consistently garnering awards and recognition from prestigious international film festivals such as Festival de Cannes, Rotterdam, Oberhausen, Busan, Yamagata, Berlinale, the International Students Film Festival-VGIK, ISFVF-Beijing Film Academy, and the Indian Panorama section of IFFI Goa, among others. Many of these films have also earned presidential awards at various editions of the Indian National Film Awards.

In sum, SRFTI’s Direction and Screenplay Writing Department offers an enriching and rigorous education that shapes filmmakers capable of making significant contributions to the global cinematic landscape.

Overview of the Programme

The MFA in Direction and Screenplay Writing at SRFTI is a rigorous two-year programme spanning four semesters, aimed at developing advanced storytelling, visual language, and cinematic expression through both theoretical and practical training. The curriculum covers narrative construction, film direction, and screenplay writing, incorporating classical and contemporary approaches.

Students engage in extensive research and study of relevant topics including film appreciation, documentary and short fiction films, and advanced film theory, building a strong foundation in research, writing, and production. The programme offers opportunities to work across multiple genres, with projects focused on ideation and treatment based on classical film language and poetic cinema.

Both individual and collaborative projects—including various forms of short films and the final degree film—allow students to refine their filmmaking craft from conception to post-production. Mentorship from faculty and guest filmmakers further enriches the learning experience, fostering experimentation and the development of each student’s unique cinematic voice.

By the programme’s conclusion, students possess the creative and technical skills necessary for a successful filmmaking career, supported by a portfolio of work across diverse film forms. Additionally, SRFTI student films regularly gain recognition at prestigious international festivals, providing exposure to global filmmaking trends and valuable networking opportunities.

Programme Specific Objectives

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with Specialisation in Direction and Screenplay Writing at SRFTI aims to provide students with advanced skills and knowledge in the technical, creative, and aesthetic aspects of sound for film and television. The programme objectives are:

• To cultivate the filmmaking language and skills of students through both theoretical and practical perspectives, fostering the development of each student’s distinctive cinematic expression and making them equipped with the highest level professional knowledge in filmmaking practice.
• To develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse approaches to making films and making them up to date on new and emerging forms of cinema.
• To develop and enhance screenwriting skills through extensive exposure to not only Classic Hollywood screenwriting techniques but also a wide array of Indian, Asian, and Western narratology and dramaturgy techniques.
• To cultivate a strong interest in the history of cinema, introducing students to several significant film movements, filmmaking styles, and theories relevant to cinema.
• To encourage research and critical thinking, understanding the nuances of a professional level Documentary and non Fiction Project.
• Gain a comprehensive knowledge on the subject to further their academic pursuits including academic research. Such students have the opportunity to contribute to the growing landscape of film & media education and pedagogy as future faculties and educators.