Ramesh Sippy starts a film school

Ramesh Sippy will be imparting cinema knowledge through his Ramesh Sippy Academy Of Cinema and Entertainment. The veteran filmmaker of 'Sholay' fame says the new venture is his way of 'contributing to the future of the film industry'.

Sippy has introduced a graduation programme at Mumbai University in association with Garware Institute. Ramesh Sippy Academy Of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE) has a tie-up with Mumbai University, wherein the students will be getting comprehensive knowledge and graduating with a degree in various aspects of film production and entertainment.

'It is very difficult to say where it all began. In my heart, I always wanted to do something like this. You got something from the industry which would stand in time. In my own little way, I will be contributing to the future of the film industry,' Sippy told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The graduation programme is in five different streams -- B.A. in Film Art (three years), B.Sc. in Film Technology and Production (three years), B.Sc. in Screenwriting (three years), B.Sc. in Animation (three years) and B.Sc. in VFX (three years).

Sippy says it is a 'place where degrees are going to be given to deserving students who perform well in their class'.

'What we will try to do is to bring in as much to the table as far as teaching and the faculty. I would feel very happy (to know) that they understood cinema and acquired a certain passion for it and for their work,' he said.

What about the faculty?

The 70-year-old says actor Kamal Haasan is already on board.

'Celebrities have recognition for doing what they have done. They will be a part of the faculty. And then there will be guest faculty,' Sippy said, adding that Kamal will be part of the advisory board.

He said other names associated with the school will be announced soon.

-IANS