Strategic partnership to introduce specialised workshops, joint certification programmes and immersive filmmaking training for aspiring creative professionals
National, October 26, 2026: Aptech Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, to expand access to quality film education and industry-oriented creative training across India. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between technical skills and cinematic expertise by combining FTII’s rich legacy in filmmaking education with Aptech’s more than 30 years of experience in vocational training.
The partnership will create structured learning opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, content creators, animators, visual effects (VFX) professionals and other creative talent. Through a combination of expert-led workshops, specialised certification programmes and practical filmmaking experiences, the initiative seeks to equip learners with the technical proficiency, storytelling abilities and industry exposure required to build careers in the rapidly evolving Media & Entertainment and AVGC-XR sectors.
Three Learning Models to Strengthen Creative Education
The collaboration will be implemented through three distinct learning models, offering students multiple pathways to develop their creative and professional capabilities.
1. FTII Workshops and Micro-Credentials
Under the first model, selected FTII workshops will be made accessible to eligible students at Aptech centres. These workshops will provide focused, expert-led learning opportunities in specialised areas of filmmaking and cinematic storytelling. Eligible participants will receive applicable FTII certificates or micro-credentials, helping them enhance their knowledge and demonstrate additional competencies.
2. Aptech–FTII Joint Certification Programme
The second model will integrate a two-month FTII module with Aptech’s training programmes in VFX and 3D. The initiative will combine industry-oriented technical training with FTII’s academic expertise and cinematic practices, enabling students to understand the relationship between visual effects, technical execution and visual storytelling. Successful participants will receive a joint certificate, subject to fulfilling the prescribed programme and certification requirements.
3. Co-Curated Filmmaking Programme with Immersive Campus Learning
The third and most comprehensive model will feature a jointly developed programme incorporating a two-month immersive learning experience at the FTII campus in Pune. Initially planned at Aptech’s own centres in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru, the programme will combine structured training with intensive academic learning and mentorship from FTII.
A key highlight will be the opportunity for students to produce a short film under FTII mentorship, translating classroom learning into a practical creative project. The programme will also facilitate exposure to internships and industry associations, helping participants strengthen their portfolios and prepare for professional opportunities in the Media & Entertainment sector.
Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of Creative Skills
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, said the future of creative education depends on combining strong academic foundations with industry-relevant skills and experiential learning. He highlighted that the collaboration would bring together FTII’s cinematic legacy and Aptech’s vocational education expertise and nationwide training network to provide learners with greater access to specialised knowledge, mentorship and practical creative experiences.
Mr. Santosh Ojha, Head of Strategy, FTII, said the partnership would help extend the institute’s academic and cinematic expertise beyond its campus by leveraging Aptech’s network of creative education centres. He emphasised that filmmaking encompasses storytelling, imagination and creative expression alongside technical proficiency, adding that the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of filmmakers and creative professionals.
Mr. Abir Aich, Executive Vice President, Aptech Limited, noted that the collaboration seeks to bring the art and practice of filmmaking closer to students pursuing careers in the creative industry. By combining Aptech’s technology- and production-focused training with FTII’s expertise in cinema and storytelling, the programme aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of film and visual content creation. Both new and existing students will have opportunities to access specialised learning, industry mentorship and potential internship experiences.
Building a Future-Ready Creative Workforce
The partnership represents a move towards applied, experiential and outcome-oriented creative education, going beyond conventional technical training. By integrating cinematic knowledge, practical production experience and industry exposure, the initiative aims to prepare students for emerging opportunities across Media & Entertainment and the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
The collaboration may also open internship opportunities for top-performing talent, helping connect skilled learners with the professional creative industry.
Through its three progressive learning models, Aptech and FTII aim to make specialised film education more accessible, strengthen the connection between technical expertise and creative storytelling, and contribute to developing a future-ready workforce for India’s growing creative economy.
