Workshop on Documentary Film Making in Lonavala

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, under its Centre for Open Learning (CFOL), is conducting a Workshop on Documentary Film Making in Lonavala from 10 to 21 November 2026. The workshop will run from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Serenity Resort, Lonavala.

The 12-day programme combines theory, documentary screenings, discussions and practical filmmaking exercises. Participants learn how to identify a documentary subject, research a story, develop an audio-visual narrative and take the project through shooting and post-production.

Key Learning Areas

• Documentary storytelling and audio-visual narrative

• Identifying and researching documentary subjects

• Research methodology and field research

• Framing, composition and visual storytelling

• Documentary formats and approaches

• Interview shooting and lighting

• Sound recording and sound design

• Editing, graphics and post-production

• Developing a documentary pitch

• Writing a logline, synopsis and treatment

• Building a narrative structure

• Practical shooting exercises

• Funding, distribution and intellectual property

• Developing an impact strategy

The workshop includes field research and practical shooting, with participants working collaboratively to develop a documentary. The course structure progresses from research and story development to shooting, footage organisation, editing, sound design and a joint viewing of the rough cut.

Course Details

• Participants: 25; minimum 15 required for the course to be conducted

• Eligibility: 15 years or above as of 1 November 2026

• Education: SSC/10th standard pass

• Medium: English and Hindi

• Selection: First-come, first-served

• Course Fee: ₹19,800 per participant

• Application Deadline: 5:00 PM, 1 November 2026

• Certificate: FTII participation certificate upon successful completion, with a minimum 90% attendance requirement

Course Director: Ms Maya Rao, FTII alumna and documentary filmmaker.