Mumbai : In a landmark step for Indian cinema, Screen in collaboration with the Indian Express Group has launched the Screen Academy—a pioneering non-profit initiative dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and offering them a prestigious platform to showcase their craft.
Backed by an illustrious and growing advisory panel including Oscar and Cannes winners Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia, Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, the Screen Academy aims to empower the next generation of Indian filmmakers through education, representation, and recognition. The initiative will work in partnership with India’s top film institutions to identify and support aspiring storytellers, especially those with exceptional talent but limited financial means.
The academy was established with the generous support of Abhishek Lodha, Founder Patron of the Lodha Foundation. Through an annual postgraduate fellowship program, the Screen Academy will provide selected students—nominated by their respective institutions—with the resources and mentorship they need to pursue formal film education and create impactful cinematic works.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “There could be no better time or place for such an initiative. Mumbai has always been the beating heart of the Indian film industry. I am delighted to learn about the Indian Express Group’s not-for-profit Screen Academy. I firmly believe that the Indian film industry will greatly benefit from the new talent this academy is determined to support.”
The academy also reflects the vision of Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group, who has played a key role in bringing the initiative to life. “Screen Academy is a bold step toward institutionalizing excellence in entertainment and culture,” he remarked. “We are committed to creating an ecosystem that not only nurtures excellence but also actively supports diverse and promising talent through financial aid and access.”
The Screen Academy is poised to become a game-changing platform that democratizes access to the film industry while fostering artistic brilliance. It combines India’s storytelling heritage with modern cinematic expression, ensuring that the voices of tomorrow receive the training, exposure, and support they deserve today.
With strong industry backing, visionary leadership, and a mission grounded in equity and opportunity, the Screen Academy is set to script a new chapter in Indian cinema—one story at a time.
