Direction

Hi.

Yes, AAFT's short‑term Certificate in Production Direction and TV Journalism (a commonly offered film direction‑oriented course) includes substantial practical training designed to build hands‑on filmmaking skills, not just classroom theory.

Hands‑On Film Production Projects

• Short film production: Students produce actual short films (e.g., 10–12 minute and 15–20 minute projects) during the program, giving experience in scouting, directing, managing a crew, and finalizing a product. 

• Showreel creation: You work on specialised exercises that go into a professional showreel — important for showcasing capability to employers or collaborators. 

Technical Film‑Making Skills

Students get hands‑on training in core film techniques:

• Camera handling & lighting: Learning how to use professional cameras, set up lighting for different scenes and moods. 

• Sound recording: Practical experience with on‑set sound capture and microphone use. 

• Set design & costume understanding: Applying production design principles for visual storytelling.

Hi.

Yes, AAFT does allow students from non‑media backgrounds to enroll in short‑term direction, editing, cinematography or other film/media certificate courses, as long as they meet the basic eligibility criteria for those programs. Here's how it works:

No Prior Media Background Required

For most short‑term certificate courses at AAFT School of Cinema, the eligibility is based on general academic qualification, not on having a prior degree or experience in media, filmmaking, or related fields:

• Certificate courses such as Certificate in Production Direction & TV Journalism, Certificate in Cinematography, and Certificate in Video Editing & Sound Recording generally require:

  • 10+2 (secondary education) from a recognised board

  • Clearing the AAFT Global Entrance Test (GET) and a personal interview (for some certificates)
    This means students from non‑media backgrounds (e.g., commerce, science, arts unrelated to media) can apply if they fulfil these basic criteria.

Hi.

Yes — at AAFT School of Cinema, the degree programs in film and television are structured to provide a broad foundation in filmmaking while also offering specialisation options in key areas such as direction, cinematography, editing, and acting. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Core Curriculum (Common to All Students)

All students in BA/BFA or MA/MFA in Cinema study foundational subjects like:

Film theory and history

Scriptwriting & storytelling

Film production & direction basics

Visual language and cinematography fundamentals

Editing and post-production techniques

Sound design and music in films

Acting basics & on-screen performance

These courses ensure every student has a holistic understanding of filmmaking before choosing a specialization. 

2. Specialization Options

a) Direction

Focus on film direction, scene blocking, shot composition, and storytelling through visuals

Includes practical projects like directing short films, web series, and advertisements

Covers working with actors, technical crew, and production management

b) Cinematography

In-depth study of camera operation, lighting, framing, and shot design

Hands-on experience with DSLRs, cinema cameras, drones, and lighting equipment

Projects include shooting short films, commercials, and digital content

c) Editing / Post-Production

Covers video editing, color grading, sound editing, and visual effects (VFX)

Training on industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, After Effects

Practical assignments include editing short films, documentaries, and ad campaigns

d) Acting / Performance

Students learn method acting, improvisation, dialogue delivery, body language, and screen presence

Practice through short films, theatrical performances, and camera workshops

Training often overlaps with direction and production modules for hands-on experience

3. How Specializations Are Integrated

From Year 2 or 3 onwards (UG), students typically choose electives or focus areas according to interest.

PG programs (MA/MFA/PG Diploma) allow deeper specialization, with major projects and thesis films often aligned with chosen streams (e.g., a student specializing in cinematography shoots and edits their own short film).

Many students combine core and specialisation modules to build a professional portfolio ready for the industry.

4. Industry-Oriented Projects

Students create multiple short films, documentaries, ads, and digital content during the program.

Specialization ensures that the final-year or PG capstone project showcases the student's chosen expertise (e.g., a final film entirely directed or edited by the student).

Many colleges offer many courses, but are those courses are tailored in such a way that students get complete benefits from the course of their choice.

In aaft the courses are designed and tailored under the supervision of Masters of the field and right after completing the course students get multiple opportunities to showcase their talent and sometimes they get opportunities even before completion of the course. 

One year Diploma course is designed very thoughtfully where students get full exposure with screen writing, camera, editing and direction, in tight One year schedule students learn crafting stories from scratch and presenting those stories on screen visually. I think no other institution supports students to achieve their dreams as AAFT does.