Annapurna College of Film and Media
Annapurna Studios is a full-cycle, multi-facility entertainment company that has over the last 40 years become the one-stop destination for global filmmakers.
Situated inside the 22-acre Annapurna Studios is the Annapurna College of Film and Media that brings alive the Akkineni vision of providing hands-on learning to aspiring filmmakers.
The Genesis
“Textbooks contain information. Classrooms aid understanding. But true learning stems from the experience of the real world.”
Sri. Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Founder, Annapurna College of Film and Media
“Textbooks contain information. Classrooms aid understanding. But true learning stems from the experience of the real world.”
Sri. Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Founder, Annapurna College of Film and Media
Who would know this better than the legendary Late Akkineni Nageswara Rao?
Widely known as ANR, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (1923-2014) was an Indian film actor and producer, known for his work predominantly in Telugu cinema. He starred in many landmark films in his 75-year career, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema.
When he first entered the film industry in 1939, he had not had a formal education, let alone formal training in acting or filmmaking. He had been a theatre performer when he was given an opportunity to act in films. After many years of struggle, learning whatever he could from Directors, technicians and artists on his sets he made it to the league of legends, getting name and fame as a Romantic Hero.
At this time he moved to Hyderabad and set up Annapurna Studios, being among the pioneers instrumental for the Telugu Film Industry to shift to Hyderabad from Chennai. The contributions of Akkineni Nageswara Rao to the world of cinema cannot be contained within these few introductory lines.
He had a much bigger vision.
He envisioned Annapurna College of Film and Media as a catalyst that prepares the future generations for the Film and Media Industry.
He wanted to share the legacy he had built over the years by creating a place of learning that would help further advance the blooming Media and Entertainment Industry. World-Class Facilities, Experienced Faculty and an Encouraging Environment were the key founding principles upon which Annapurna College was built.
About Annapurna College
“Indian Cinema mirrors our culture and is a thread that binds the generations. It’s my legacy and one that I am committed to build and evolve as we progress into the future.
Today, Annapurna College of Film and Media is a hub that brings some of the greatest minds- Globally renowned Industry Veterans and Media & Entertainment Academicians to share their learning through an interactive model of engagement.
Thereby, laying the much needed foundation for anyone who aspires to make a mark.”
Akkineni Nagarjuna
Chairperson and President, Akkineni Film and Media Education Society
“Indian Cinema mirrors our culture and is a thread that binds the generations. It’s my legacy and one that I am committed to build and evolve as we progress into the future.
Today, Annapurna College of Film and Media is a hub that brings some of the greatest minds- Globally renowned Industry Veterans and Media & Entertainment Academicians to share their learning through an interactive model of engagement.
Thereby, laying the much needed foundation for anyone who aspires to make a mark.”
Akkineni Nagarjuna
Akkineni Film and Media Education Society
Annapurna College of Film and Media is India’s Top-Tier Film and Media College situated within Annapurna Studios – one of the most advanced one-stop Film Production Studios in the country.
With its deeply-rooted film heritage, Annapurna College of Film and Media set upon its mission to provide hands-on training in Film and Media in the year 2011.
In less than a decade, the college has given a lucrative platform to over 2000 Film & Media professionals who are now making their mark in the Film & Media Industry.
Our Advantage
“A film studio-college campus that contains within its walls the history of making over 3000 films gives us the leverage needed to curate learning programs that are practice based. Learning through practice helps students gain confidence and get exposed to advanced learning concepts, tools and resources.
Annapurna College was the first to launch a Degree Program in Film and Media – uniquely curated to offer the opportunity for Dual Specialisations. This in itself is a testimony to our ability to provide creative young people the head-start to build multiple career pathways.”
Amala Akkineni
Director, Annapurna College of Film and Media
“A film studio-college campus that contains within its walls the history of making over 3000 films gives us the leverage needed to curate learning programs that are practice based. Learning through practice helps students gain confidence and get exposed to advanced learning concepts, tools and resources.
Annapurna College was the first to launch a Degree Program in Film and Media – uniquely curated to offer the opportunity for Dual Specialisations. This in itself is a testimony to our ability to provide creative young people the head-start to build multiple career pathways.”
Amala Akkineni
Director, Annapurna College of Film and Media
Unparalleled
Lineage
- 4+ Decades of Filmmaking
- 40+ Films Produced
- 3000+ Films made at the
- Annapurna Studios
- 23 Awards and Accolades
Clearly Chartered Mission
- Provide holistic education in an environment that stimulates Inquiry, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and a quest for excellence
- Mentor for aesthetic application of craft, and explore and experiment with entrepreneurial skills and business acumen
- Nurture students to be global citizens who are socially responsible, empathetic, an adaptable encouraging diversity
New-age Teaching Methodologies
- Interactive and Participatory Approach
- In-house mentoring program conducted by International Academic Advisors
- Simulated and Experiential Learning
- Part-time (weekend and weekday) & Full-time Course Modules and Programs
- Development Focused Faculty Ratio – 1:10
Global Industry Affiliations and Network
- Full-time CILECT Member
- Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU)
- International Collaborations – Ryerson (Canada), Chapman (USA), Griffith Film School (Australia) etc.
- Global Academic Advisory Board – experts with real industry experience
- 2200+ Placement Offers till date
- 2000+ Well-placed Alumni
Our Leadership Team
“A journalist, teacher and trainer by qualification and an eager film enthusiast by heart, Padma Ramesh started her career by writing on films. In a career spanning well over 2 decades, she has dabbled in diverse fields from media to corporate training, to teaching, to handling CSR initiatives but through it all writing remained a constant, as did her association with films. She was the editor of Hindu-Opportunities , the Wednesday supplement of The Hindu for 7 years, as well as Appointment Times -a career supplement of Khaleej Times, Dubai. She also has to her credit a diploma in Film Appreciation from FTII-Pune. Her association with the print media has been an extraordinary 15 years.
With a Masters in English Literature, Prof Padma Ramesh was involved with the teaching of
Functional and Business English to the MS students of IT programme across Andhra Pradesh.
She also worked as head of Corporate Communications of Byrraju Foundation, the CSR wing of Satyam, and was a Professor of Business Communication and Soft Skills at IBS, Hyderabad. A recipient of Vijayavani National Education-Leadership Awards for ‘Best Teacher’, she is presently the Dean of Academics at Annapurna College of Film and Media.
Prof. Ramesh also has a post graduate diploma in Mass communication and a PGD in English
Language Teaching from CIEFL. Her current role sees her integrating a Liberal arts education
into the curriculum with Film- making, thereby achieving one of the primary goals of Annapurna College – to provide a well-rounded education that develops students holistically.”
Padma Ramesh
Dean
Padma Ramesh
Dean
A journalist, teacher and trainer by qualification and an eager film enthusiast by heart, Padma Ramesh started her career by writing on films. In a career spanning well over 2 decades, she has dabbled in diverse fields from media to corporate training, to teaching, to handling CSR initiatives but through it all writing remained a constant, as did her association with films. She was the editor of Hindu-Opportunities , the Wednesday supplement of The Hindu for 7 years, as well as Appointment Times -a career supplement of Khaleej Times, Dubai. She also has to her credit a diploma in Film Appreciation from FTII-Pune. Her association with the print media has been an extraordinary 15 years.
With a Masters in English Literature, Prof Padma Ramesh was involved with the teaching of Functional and Business English to the MS students of IT programme across Andhra Pradesh.
She also worked as head of Corporate Communications of Byrraju Foundation, the CSR wing of Satyam, and was a Professor of Business Communication and Soft Skills at IBS, Hyderabad. A recipient of Vijayavani National Education-Leadership Awards for ‘Best Teacher’, she is presently the Dean of Academics at Annapurna College of Film and Media.
Prof. Ramesh also has a post graduate diploma in Mass communication and a PGD in English Language Teaching from CIEFL. Her current role sees her integrating a Liberal arts education into the curriculum with Film- making, thereby achieving one of the primary goals of Annapurna College – to provide a well-rounded education that develops students holistically.
Varunan Balasubramaniam is currently working as Chief Executive of Annapurna College of Film and Media. He has an overall experience of 18 years as an academician and entrepreneur. With a forte in the field of Creative education, he has the expertise in setting up new colleges in the field of Design and Media, has experience in Academic Management, enabling International University Affiliations and Validations, and Writing and Developing new curriculum in the field of Design & Media.
He has 15 years’ experience in computer animation and has played an instrumental role in building the foundation for ICAT Design & Media College, Hyderabad where he played a dual role of Head of Campus and Head of Department of Animation across all three campuses (Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad). Prior to Annapurna College of Film and Media, he was the Project Head for setting up of International School of Creative Arts – Kochi and also setting up the Centre for Creative Art and Design of Jain University. He has also worked for Ramoji Krian Universe as Head of Marketing, Branding and International Relations and was the Associate Prof, with responsibilities to Head Department of Animation and Department of Game Art & Design.
He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Liberal Studies from PDP University and has done his Masters in Financial Management from Pondicherry University. He also has his certifications from National Skill Development Council, Indian Design Council and Teaching qualifications from Birmingham City University.
His research interests are in the field of creative education, augmented reality, virtual reality and innovation. Varunan has been a public speaker and has conducted creative education seminars in various schools and colleges across India and has presented his research papers at international conferences.
Varunan Balalsubramaniam
Chief Executive
Varunan Balasubramaniam is currently working as Chief Executive of Annapurna College of Film and Media. He has an overall experience of 18 years as an academician and entrepreneur. With a forte in the field of Creative education, he has the expertise in setting up new colleges in the field of Design and Media, has experience in Academic Management, enabling International University Affiliations and Validations, and Writing and Developing new curriculum in the field of Design & Media.
He has 15 years’ experience in computer animation and has played an instrumental role in building the foundation for ICAT Design & Media College, Hyderabad where he played a dual role of Head of Campus and Head of Department of Animation across all three campuses (Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad). Prior to Annapurna College of Film and Media, he was the Project Head for setting up of International School of Creative Arts – Kochi and also setting up the Centre for Creative Art and Design of Jain University. He has also worked for Ramoji Krian Universe as Head of Marketing, Branding and International Relations and was the Associate Prof, with responsibilities to Head Department of Animation and Department of Game Art & Design.
He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Liberal Studies from PDP University and has done his Masters in Financial Management from Pondicherry University. He also has his certifications from National Skill Development Council, Indian Design Council and Teaching qualifications from Birmingham City University.
His research interests are in the field of creative education, augmented reality, virtual reality and innovation. Varunan has been a public speaker and has conducted creative education seminars in various schools and colleges across India and has presented his research papers at international conferences.
Varunan Balalsubramaniam
Chief Executive
Academic Advisors
Kabir Khan
Director, screenwriter and cinematographer
(Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ek Tha Tiger, New York)
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Filmmaker and Screenwriter
(Rang De Basanti, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Delhi 6)
Shobu Yarlagadda
Film Producer
(Baahubali - Part I & II, Vedam, Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya)
K. V. Vijayendra Prasad
Screenwriter and Director
(Baahubali - Part I & II, Vikramarkudu, Bajrangi Bhaijaan)
Our Journey
Create your
Own Mark
Industry Affiliations
& Network
CILECT
CILECT – (Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinéma et de Télévision) was founded in Cannes, France, in 1954 at the behest and gathering together for the first time, higher education film school representatives from France, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK, USA and USSR.
CILECT is committed to developing and promoting the highest standards of education, research and training for film, television and related media through establishing and organizing global and regional forums for the exchange of artistic, pedagogical, methodological and managerial best practices for all its members.
Our CILECT membership gives us access to stay abreast in education and leverage faculty expertise from across the world. It also enables collaborations with renowned Film Institutions, exposing students to wider circles, when possible. Students get further exposure by watching student films from CILECT Schools and have the official access to enter their films for the Student Oscars.
JNAFAU
With the objective of providing a systematic education in Art and Architecture catering to the present needs of society Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University was established by Act of Andhra Pradesh State Legislature No. 31 of 2008. India is very rich in its culture and heritage and has a great mythological background. Its culture and philosophy are highly regarded and valued by the rest of the world.
Art and Architecture play an important role the cultural context. JNAFA University is the first of its kind in the entire country and was established in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana with headquarters at Mahavir Marg, Masab Tank, Hyderabad.
Placement Partnerships
Campus
Facilities
Production Areas
- 5 Air-Conditioned Sound Stages- Each between 10,200 and 14,800 square feet
- Dozens of Stunning Outdoor Locations and Modular Set Designs
- 2 Studio Floor Spaces equipped with Advanced Cinematography Equipment and Accessories
State of the Art Recording Studio
- Equipped with high-end digital equipment with the latest version of Pro-Tools and Yamaha Digital Audio Mixer.
- Dedicated Foley Recording – The finest acoustically treated space with enhanced studio monitoring facility for achieving clarity, richness, detail and depth in sound production
- New age Portable Mixers, Multi-track digital audio recorders from Tascam, Sound Devices, Roland and microphones from Sennheiser, Sanken, and Rhodes
Ergonomically Designed Edit Studios
- Calibrated and chosen based on their capability to produce accurate visual display for 100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB (for digital/ new media) as well as 100% REC 709 (for HD visuals) and 98% DCI-P3 (for theatrical transmission)
Advanced Equipment for Hands-on instruction in the art & craft of cinematography
- 5 Air-Conditioned Sound Stages- Each between 10,200 and 14,800 square feet
- Dozens of Stunning Outdoor Locations and Modular Set Designs
- 2 Studio Floor Spaces equipped with Advanced Cinematography Equipment and Accessories
Photography Studio
- Advanced Lights and Equipment
- Industry Standard studios with 18% grey walls.
- Top of the line Nikon Mirror and Mirrorless cameras and Nikkor lens.
- Full line up of Elinchrom light kits, strobes, ring lights, beauty dishes, magmods, C stands, boom poles and various soft boxes, diffusers, blockers and backdrops.
- Huge top of the line accessories, extensions etc.
Third party studio light kits also used for extended shoots
Animation
- 2D labs with Light boxes for Cell Animation
- Studio spaces for Clay Modelling and Sculpting
- Chroma key Labs for Keying and Compositing
Acting studio for character pose study
Student
Support
Residential
Support
- Centrally located Twin-Sharing Apartments
- Well-Furnished rooms with TV and Wi-Fi Internet Facility
- 24×7, Solar Powered- Hot and Cold Water Supply
- Self Service Cafeteria serving home-cooked Veg and Non-Veg Meals
Financial
Support
Annapurna College is recognized for its learning programs in the field of Film and Media by the industry. Student loan support is offered to meritorious students having an excellent academic record.
Additionally, we offer scholarship to students on the basis of their Academic Results and their performance in the Annapurna College All India Entrance Exam. For our Post-Graduate students who have graduated from any recognised university with 75% or more percentage marks, we offer a flat scholarship of Rs. 40,000/-.
For our Graduate students who have passed their 12th class (CBSE/ICSE/State Board) we provide the following scholarship opportunities-
1. 75%-85%- Scholarship Amount INR 40,000-50,000
2. 85% to 95% – Scholarship Amount INR 50,000-60,000
3. 95% & above- Scholarship Amount INR 60,000-70,000
Peer
Support
Annapurna College has paved career opportunities for 2000+ Industry Professionals during the last 9 years. Students who choose to join our network have access to some of the best minds in the Film Industry and can gain support and guidance from the Global Alumni Network. We have deeply seeded the spirit of collaboration in our students and this further strengthens our presence within the closely networked Film & Media Industry. For any guidance / support please feel free to write to our Alumni Network – placements@acfm.edu.in
