Master of Fine Arts in Cinema

Master’s Degree Programmes in Cinema (1-Year Bridge Programme + 2-Year MFA)

1-Year Bridge Programme in Cinema

About the Programme

The One-Year Postgraduate Certificate Bridge Programme in Cinema is designed for students from non-filmmaking backgrounds, providing a strong foundation for entry into two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes. The programme introduces students to film history, theory, production methodologies, and critical analysis, combining academic instruction with hands-on training. It develops core competencies in narrative structure, audio-visual aesthetics, and technical skills across key areas of filmmaking.

Programme Summary

The course delivers a comprehensive overview of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of cinema. Students study the history of independent cinema, art, animation, and global film movements, alongside intensive training in Direction, Screenplay Writing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Animation, and Production methodologies. By the end of Semester 2, students collaboratively create a short narrative film, applying their learning across various roles such as Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Sound Designer, and Line Producer.

Programme Specific Objectives

Provide an in-depth knowledge about film history, art history, history of animation, VFX and different cinema techniques so that the student can develop a basic understanding of different aspects of filmmaking.
The practical input is aimed towards the students to gain hands-on experience with state-of the art equipment and facilities.
The theory and practical input will finally culminate in the making of a 5-minute short narrative film where students will individually write, direct and edit their project while working in a group and also helping the team members to make their films by taking up different assigned roles of Cinematographer, Location Recordist, Line Producer, Assistant Director and others.
Provide clarity on how to tackle a film production while handling projects in their respective specialisation MFA Course.

Bridge Programme in Animation Cinema

Students aspiring to specialise in Animation will undertake the Bridge Programme in Animation Cinema, while those focusing on Live-Action will follow a parallel track. During the first year (Semesters 1 & 2), all students develop a strong foundation in filmmaking, art and design, history, theory, narrative structures, and production methodologies. This is delivered through a dynamic combination of hands-on exercises, classroom instruction, and project-based learning. The programme is designed to prepare students for advanced two-year MFA specialisations, while also equipping them with industry-relevant skills.

Programme Summary

This one-year Postgraduate Certificate Programme offers a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of Live-Action and Animation Cinema. Coursework includes film history, art history, the evolution of animation, and the influence of global film movements.

Practical training in Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, and Animation Production enables students to undertake two major projects: a collaborative short DV narrative film and an individual animation project set to music.

Programme Specific Objectives

To provide students with in-depth knowledge of film history, art history, and the development of animation and VFX, thereby establishing a strong foundation in cinematic language.

To deliver extensive hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.

To enable students to apply their learning through two major creative projects: a team- produced short DV narrative film and an individual animation piece that incorporates core principles of animation.

To prepare students for the demands of an MFA specialisation, while also offering a robust foundation for those wishing to enter the industry directly upon completion of the programme.