Birmingham City goes to Bollywood with film studies partnership

Birmingham City University is collaborating with Mumbai-based Ronkel Media Education Institute to equip students with relevant skills in film studies and provide them with real-world opportunities in both Bollywood and UK industries. 

The partnership will combine the expertise, experience and environments from both institutions to provide opportunities for students to gain industry-relevant skills in areas such as screenwriting, film production, visual effects, film studies, film business and promotion, and more. 

Students will also be provided international exchange opportunities to allow them to study aspects of the media, arts and entertainment overseas between the two partner institutes.

This will allow students to have a holistic learning experience with ample exposure to the culture and practices in the local and international film industries. 

Ronkel Media Education Institute is one of India’s most world-renowned creative institutes that specialises in film industry training and is supported by world-class staff known for their contribution to Bollywood filmmaking. 

Concurrently, Birmingham City University also has a long history of more than 175 years in creative education. 

The Indian film industry has become a global phenomenon. It has experienced major growth by breaking into the mainstream entertainment scene with reports showing overseas box office collections for Indian films earning US$367 million in 2017 with an expected growth of about $411 million in 2020. 

This creates a demand for a range of skilled artists, technicians and film business professionals from across the globe.

“We are delighted to have signed this agreement with the Ronkel Media Education and Research Institute,” said Birmingham City University Faculty of Arts, Design and Media Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean Professor Alison Honour in a media release. 

“This new partnership will provide opportunities for Birmingham City University and Ronkel students to work on collaborative film projects and have international work placements and exchanges to provide opportunities to gain skills specific to the UK and Indian Bollywood film industries,” she added. 

Birmingham City University delivers a range of film studies courses which instils the latest theory, practice and industry trends to keep students up to date with the rapidly growing film industry.

Combined with world-class expertise, the univesity is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for students to hone the right skills and prepare them for future jobs in the industry. 

“The Indian Film Industry is growing rapidly, creating a huge demand for skilled artists and technicians, as well as film business professionals,” said Ronkel Media Education and Research Institute Founder and Director Sanjeev Sharma. 

“Our association with Birmingham City University is a great opportunity for Indian students to utilise this platform to hone their skill sets in the best possible manner, and prepare themselves to be absorbed by the industry.”

Sharma’s unique works in the Indian film industry features internationally acclaimed films starring some of Bollywood’s biggest stars such as Amitabh Bachchan. He has been recognised by the Limca Book of National Records for his contribution to the growing industry.