Jharkhand to Get a Major Boost in Film Industry as JFTI Offers World-Class Training to Young Talent: CM Hemant Soren

Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said Jharkhand has immense potential for film production and that the state government is committed to providing a national and international platform to its creative youth. He described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited (JFDC) and the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, as a landmark initiative for the state's film industry.
Addressing the MoU signing ceremony at the Jharkhand Ministry auditorium, the Chief Minister said that short-duration courses would be introduced during the initial phase before the Jharkhand Film and Television Institute (JFTI) becomes fully operational. The courses will provide hands-on training in key areas of filmmaking, including sound design, editing, animation, script and screenplay writing, cinematography, direction and film production.
He said the training would not be limited to conventional cinema but would also equip young people with skills for emerging platforms such as OTT services and social media content creation, opening up new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.

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Soren said the establishment of the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited and the launch of JFTI had been made possible through the state's visionary approach. In collaboration with SRFTI—one of India's premier film institutes—the government aims to provide world-class training and technical expertise to aspiring filmmakers and artists from Jharkhand.
He noted that Jharkhand is home to abundant creative talent, but many artists have lacked access to professional training and opportunities. JFTI, he said, would bridge this gap by nurturing local talent and preparing young professionals for careers both in front of and behind the camera.
Highlighting the rapid growth of digital entertainment, the Chief Minister said films, web series and digital content have become major sources of employment. The institute will therefore prepare students not only for mainstream cinema but also for careers in digital media and online content production.
Referring to Jharkhand's contribution to Indian cinema, Soren said several acclaimed films, including "Dil Bechara," "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story," and "Gangs of Wasseypur," were shot in the state. He also mentioned the recent National Award-winning Santali film "Aangen", saying it reflected the immense but largely untapped creative potential of Jharkhand's artists.
Drawing a parallel with the state's success in sports, the Chief Minister said Jharkhand's youth also possess tremendous talent in the fields of art and cinema. Quoting the late tribal scholar and cultural icon Dr. Ram Dayal Munda's famous saying, "Je Nachi Se Bachi" ("Those who dance survive"), he said every individual in Jharkhand has an artist within, and JFTI would play a key role in identifying, nurturing and showcasing that talent on national and global platforms.
The event was attended by Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, SRFTI Vice-Chancellor Samiran Dutta, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, senior government officials, academicians, filmmakers and students.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also honoured noted filmmakers Biju Toppo, Raviraj Murmu, Anuj Kumar and Niranjan Kujur for their outstanding contributions to cinema and for bringing national and international recognition to Jharkhand through their work.