Documentary cinema holds a unique position of trust and responsibility. It has the power to question authority,
amplify unheard voices, and influence social change. This programme is built on the belief that documentaries are
not merely films—but instruments of awareness, accountability, and transformation.
Students are encouraged to discover their own narrative voice while learning how documentaries travel across
festivals, streaming platforms, advocacy spaces, and community circuits.
“Documentary Matters” is an intensive, practice-based 24-week/100 hours certi?cation program designed to equip
emerging ?lmmakers with the intellectual, creative, and ethical foundation to tell real stories that matter.
The course emphasises the creative development and structural discipline required to make powerful non?ction ?lms.
Students will learn to research deeply, develop narrative structures, build access and trust with subjects, and
shape ideas into emotionally and socially resonant documentaries.
The course also places strong emphasis on distribution, funding, and impact strategy, helping students understand
how documentaries travel through festivals, streaming, community circuits, and advocacy networks.
By the end of the program, students (working in teams (8–10) will produce 15– 25 minute short documentaries that are
festival-ready, accompanied by a conceptual outreach and impact plan).
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
The programme is delivered in six progressive phases:
By the end of the course, students will:
Anupama Mandloi
Impact Producer
Anupama Mandloi is an impact producer and a leading advocate for sustainability in the ?lm and television industry. Through initiatives like India GreenSet and the India Sustainable Entertainment Alliance (ISEA), she champions the adoption of sustainable practices in media production. She is deeply committed to exploring storytelling as a catalyst for change, designing workshops that spotlight the power of ?lm to inspire awareness and action. She is the current Regional Ambassador for the Global Impact Producers Alliance (GIPA).
Anupama’s debut as a producer was marked by the award winning documentary Aunty Sudha Aunty Radha, a poignant and humorous exploration of ageing and community.
Before she transitioned into impact-driven storytelling, Anupama built a distinguished career in the Indian television industry, holding leadership roles at major networks including Sony, SAB, and STAR. As the former Managing Director of Fremantle India, she helped establish the company's reputation for integrity and creative excellence. She later worked as an independent Content Consultant, collaborating with clients such as Zee5. Anupama is an alumna of Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program.
Maya Rao
Film Maker
Maya Rao has done her post-graduation in Film Direction from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and has since then been working in the Media Industry. She started her career in advertising and then moved to television with several shows on mainstream entertainment channels. She was the Creative Director India of Pogo Channel, Turner International. One of her ?agship shows has won several awards.
She has also made several documentaries & has developed & executed shows for digital platforms. She is also the visiting faculty at SIMC, Seamedu, and Global Skills Academy among others and has been on the panel of judging student ?lms and on the ITA television shows. She is actively involved in promoting indigenous arts and theatre and has produced and directed several plays.
Graduates or Postgraduates from any stream with a keen interest in non-fiction storytelling, social narratives, and real-world issues.
This program is well-suited for:
Admission is based on:
The Documentary Film Making program prepares learners for impactful careers in factual storytelling across media, social change platforms, and digital ecosystems.
Career Pathways Include:
The selection process is designed to identify students with creative thinking, storytelling ability and a passion for documentary ?lms.
Step 1: Creative Essay (Written Test)
Why do you want to learn documentary ?lmmaking?
Before you answer, read this carefully, This is not a test of ?lm terminology or fancy language. This is a test of curiosity, observation, and honesty.
In your essay, tell us:
You can be funny. You can be personal. You can be awkwardly honest. You can even change your mind mid-essay - real ?lmmakers do.
Please do NOT:
Step 2: Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates will appear for a personal interview to
evaluate their creative mindset, communication skills, and motivation to pursue Documentary
Filmmaking.
Final selection will be based on performance in both a written essay and an interview.
Graduates and working professionals from any discipline with an interest in documentary storytelling.
No prior experience is mandatory. Curiosity, commitment, and a strong interest in real stories are essential.
Yes. Students produce a short documentary and a professional outreach and distribution portfolio.
Yes. The programme is designed in close alignment with contemporary nonfiction industry practices.
©Mumbai Educational Trust, All rights reserved | Last Modified Date: Monday, February 16th, 2026
