Noted Telugu film actor launches film, media institute

Hyderabad, June 30 (IANS) Veteran Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and his actor son Nagarjuna Thursday launched their media institute, the International Institute of Film and Media, here.

The institute, that has come up here at Annapurna Studios, is said to be the only private, non-profit film and media institute in India and aims to provide world-class education to aspiring students and offer highly trained talent to the media industry.

Nageswara Rao and his actor son announced the launch of the institute at a news conference.

With a 22acre campus and plans to build another 100,000 sq ft training and class rooms, it is claimed to be the largest film school in Asia.

ISFM will offer short, vocational and full-fledged degree courses on 24 trades like acting, filmmaking, direction, NGO corporate film production, music video production, film appreciation, script lab, presentation skills and pitching, digital photography and dance.

The admissions open on July 1 while the classes will begin in September this year.

When fully functional, the institute will have 500 students in short courses and an equal number in degree courses.

Noting that his grand children have also become actors or associated with the film industry, the legendary actor said since they got money and fame because of the industry they want to give something back to films.

Nageswara Rao, who turned nostalgic, recalled that he could not study beyond fourth standard due to poverty. The actor, who has spent 70 years in films, joined theatre in 1936 when he was nine and has so far worked in 254 films. He said in the absence of any education and training he struggled hard to learn everything.

Pointing out that the industry is suffering due to lack of skills, he said it was not good for its development.

Popular actor Nagarjuna, who is also managing director of Annapurna Studios, said whatever money the institute would earn will be ploughed back for its development. It would have tie-up with production and media houses to meet their requirement of skilled manpower.

Institute CEO Kurt Inderbitzin said it would have accreditation with world-class institutions and universities.

Quoting National Skill Development Corporation, he said the Indian media and entertainment industry require three million trained staff over the next decade.

Kurt headed Whistling Woods International film and television institute of Mukta Arts in Mumbai from 2006 to 2008.