Mumbai, July 14, 2025 – The prestigious SCREEN Academy, launched today by the Indian Express Group in collaboration with the Lodha Foundation, has announced a postgraduate fellowship programme for top students from premier film institutes, including Whistling Woods International (WWI) in Mumbai.
Under the initiative, students nominated from WWI will receive financial support to pursue postgraduate film studies and benefit from an industry-led mentorship programme featuring masterclasses, internships, and continuous guidance by some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated figures — veteran filmmaker and Founder of WWI, Mr. Subhash Ghai, Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, Ms. Guneet Monga, Ms. Payal Kapadia, Mr. Resul Pookutty, veteran screenwriter Mr. Anjum Rajabali, among many others.
Cinema can shape society and it’s our duty to nurture storytellers who create with purpose,” said Mr. Subhash Ghai. “The SCREEN Academy sponsorship empowers passionate students with the mentorship and opportunity they need to become the voices of tomorrow.”
Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International, commented on the partnership, “At Whistling Woods International, we believe that access to quality education can transform lives. This scholarship, in collaboration with the SCREEN Academy, ensures that financial constraints do not come in the way of creativity and ambition. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values — excellence, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to nurturing the storytellers of tomorrow.”
The selection process will be overseen by a distinguished panel headed by Mr. Anjum Rajabali and WWI Dean Mr. Ravi Gupta, ensuring fellowship recipients demonstrate exceptional storytelling talent. WWI students stand to gain not just financial assistance but also valuable exposure to real-world filmmaking through industry interfaces.
This fellowship marks a significant milestone for Whistling Woods, reinforcing its leadership in film education and commitment to cultivating diverse cinematic voices. By breaking down financial barriers, it positions WWI as a key incubator of India’s next-generation filmmakers.
