‘Training at Risk’: FTII Itanagar students boycott classes over resource, faculty shortage

Students of the Screen Acting Department at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Itanagar, have written to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, highlighting a series of unresolved issues in infrastructure, faculty composition, syllabus clarity, and institutional administration.

The students said that despite repeated communications with institute authorities since December 2024—including formal letters, multiple meetings (17 December, 9 January, 15 January, March halt, May halt, and follow-ups), and consultations with SRFTI, MIB representatives, and CPWD—promises and deadlines have been repeatedly missed.

They also staged two academic halts in a single semester to press for basic rights and essential infrastructure. Since resuming classes after the second halt in August, the students said there has been no major visible development on the ground, and many constructions remain incomplete.

In their appeal, students stated that the ongoing deficits have already affected one semester of their professional training and may further compromise their learning if not addressed before the second semester. The letter stresses that practical training is central to the course, and the absence of required infrastructure, facilities, and faculty guidance undermines learning outcomes and professional readiness.

FTII Itanagar: Essential demands remain unmet

The students outlined the following key concerns in detail. “Below we explain, in detail, the issues that make the present situation untenable, how they impact our education and safety, and why each demand we make is essential,” students said in a letter.

• Working and performance spaces: Students reported having only one major studio and a performing space, describing them as structurally incomplete, acoustically inadequate, and affected by external noise from nearby CRTs and Wi-Fi cabinets. They requested three separate functional spaces, including a dance studio, a large multi-use studio, and a black box theatre. One student stated:
• “Without at least three distinct working spaces (dance studio with mirrors, a large multiuse studio, and a black box theatre) our practical training, which forms the core of the course, is severely compromised,” students said.
• Dance studio and mirror placement: Current proposals for a shared mirror/studio solution are considered impractical, restricting acting exercises. Students requested a standalone dance studio accommodating 20–40 students with professional lighting and wooden flooring.
• Makeup studio and storage: A 50–70 sq. ft. room proposed for makeup is deemed insufficient. Students requested a dedicated makeup studio equipped for at least 20 students, including mirrors, lighting, seating, and locker space.
• Absence of a props department: Students highlighted the absence of a structured system for prop procurement, storage, and maintenance. They noted that reliance on ad hoc arrangements requires them to source items externally.
• Carpentry department: The lack of a carpentry unit reportedly affects fabrication of sets, timelines, and safety of exercises. Students requested a fully functional department with trained carpenters, tools, and materials.
• Costume department: Students requested a costume department with skilled tailors, storage, repair facilities, and a student–faculty committee for planning and procurement.

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• Preview theatre and technical rigs: The institute currently lacks a functional preview theatre with proscenium layout, professional lighting, control room, and green rooms. Students said: “Final demonstrations, screenings and many pedagogic needs require a functional Preview Theatre with proscenium format, professional lighting, a control room and green rooms.”
• Faculty capability and mentorship: Students expressed dissatisfaction with the current faculty, citing a lack of structured guidance, subject-specific expertise, and pedagogical competence. They requested the replacement of faculty with educators experienced in screen acting and the appointment of an industry mentor to align the curriculum with professional requirements.
• Students noted that: “Teaching quality has had a negative impact across the batch. We request replacement of faculty with educators who have demonstrable screen-acting experience and pedagogic competence, and appointment of an industry mentor to guide the department.”
• Inclusion in academic decision-making and syllabus transparency: The students called for inclusion of a departmental student representative in the Academic Council and participation in planning committees. They also requested the circulation of an updated syllabus, weekly academic plan, and list of visiting faculty.
• Public relations and institutional branding: The appeal highlighted the absence of an official website, social media presence, student ID cards, email IDs, and a verified Google location. Students requested the immediate establishment of a Public Relations and Branding Cell to ensure national visibility and recognition of the institute and its students.

Students refuse to attend campus

The students stated that they will not attend the campus until all demands are fulfilled and asked for a written response within seven days. They also suggested relocating the course to another FTII campus, such as Pune, if the requirements cannot be met at Itanagar.

“We declare that we will not come to FTII- Itanagar campus until all the stated demands are met in full. We also declare that we refuse to take any academic input from the current teaching faculty in future and also refuse any make-shift arrangements of the requirements,” the official letter said.

The appeal includes a detailed request for timelines, responsible offices, and verifiable actions for each of the issues listed. The students said the intent is not to confront authorities but to secure the conditions necessary for professional film education.