Satyajit Ray Film Institute Convocation graced by Amika Soni

Kolkata, Sept 16 (IBNS) Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Friday addressed Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) Convocation function here:

Text of her address:

Respected Shri Mrinal Sen Ji,

Chairman of SRFTI,

Shri Ranjit Mallick,

My colleague, Shri Jatua,

Director, Shri Shankar Mohan,

Distinguished guests, and Faculty

and Students of SRFTI.

I am happy to be here in your midst for this convocation ceremony. A Convocation ceremony is an event to rejoice and reflect upon the wonderful time one has spent at one’s own ‘ALMA MATER’.  I am told that this tradition is being revived after a very long time. This is the third convocation ceremony being held. I do hope that, from now on, the Institute will host this event every year.

As a film centre, Kolkata, has been the pulse of the Indian film industry. It has been the workplace of great film maestros. Satyajit Ray, Rittwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen and so many others have given the film industry here an international profile. It was indeed a befitting tribute to set up this Institute, here in Kolkata, in 1992 and this Institute has not let us down.  Several films made by students of this Institute, have won National Film Awards and recognition abroad.

It is heartening to note that the institute is revitalizing its infrastructure and course content to meet the challenges of film-making and the industry in general. The proposed new building expected to be completed by Dec. 2011, shall cater to the needs of two new courses to be introduced from the next academic year. The ‘Animation’ and ‘Production Management’ Department’, shall provide a rich corpus of skilled manpower to the Animation and VFX Industry which is expected to grow to nearly rupees eight thousand crores by 2015 from the current level of rupees three thousand crores according to industry estimates.

As part of the curriculum restructuring, I am told that a short-term course on cinema acting is going to be introduced in the next academic session, for the first time in the history of SRFTI.  Unlike FTII, SRFTI does not have any separate TV Wing.  As a result, the students are not getting adequate exposure to television.  To overcome this problem, I am happy to announce, that Government of India have decided to introduce a ‘Centre for TV Excellence’ at SRFTI at a total cost of Rs.65 crore, through the 12th Five Year Plan.  This Centre will have two TV floors to cater to the requirement of students.  When not in use by the students, the same could be hired out and would become a substantial revenue earner for SRFTI.

I would like to compliment the Institute for entering into agreements and MoUs with important Film Schools and Universities from all over the world. These initiatives will enable our students to reach out to an international audience.

The two Institutes under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, namely, Film and Television Institute, Pune and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata are being upgraded to cater to the ever-increasing, highly skilled and specialized manpower requirement of the film and TV industry.  Measures are being taken to declare these two Institutes, as Institutions of National Importance through an Act of the Parliament.

The year 2013 will be celebrated as a centenary milestone of the Indian Film Industry.  For this purpose, a National Committee would be constituted consisting of eminent film persons and other stakeholders to suggest a comprehensive plan for making the celebrations truly memorable for film fans all over. The centenary celebrations would also offer an opportunity to applaud the iconic members of the film industry for their contribution in different fields of cinema, while at the same time positioning India as a ‘SOFT POWER’ at a global level.

The Government has moved forward in setting up the National Film Heritage Mission with an outlay of Rs.660 crores.  This Mission will provide a platform for comprehensive solutions for cataloging, dissemination and monetization of film content, video tapes, posters and other related materials in the possession of either the Film Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or with the various State Governments as well as with private individuals and institutions.

The greatest benefit of the Mission will be to enable the preservation of the invaluable filmic heritage of the country which is an integral part of our socio-cultural heritage.  3000 films will be acquired and digitized and 3000 films will be restored and transferred to inter-negatives under the scheme and will be available at affordable rates as DVDs to public for viewing.

In this connection I would like to mention, that as part of the restoration process, last year the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, restored the print of Mr. Mrinal Sen’s classic “Khandhar”. The restored print was shown at a special screening at Cannes Film Festivals, where Mrinal ji was given standing ovation by the audience. Under the ‘Heritage Mission’ we will also look at restoring the classics of maestro, Shri Satyajit Ray.

Last, but not the least, I would urge the employees of SRFTI to work with dedication for the betterment of the Institute and the students to utilize their tenure in this august Institute gainfully.  I am aware that we have a very dedicated team of faculty, staff and employees and they will continue to uphold the ideals for which the Instituted was created.

We, from the Ministry are ready to provide all support to SRFTI in nurturing budding talents in cinema, propagating meaningful and socially relevant films.

I wish all the graduates and present students of SRFTI all success in their academic and professional pursuits.

Jai Hind.