Cinema is not a window, but a mirror. At SIFI, we don't just teach the mechanics of a camera; we cultivate the eye behind the lens. Our vision is to empower the next generation of storytellers to find truth in the shadows and poetry in the silence. We fuse the heritage of classical world cinema with the tools of the future to create films that breathe.
A true auteur who has shaped the visual language of Malayalam cinema for nearly four decades, National Award-winning filmmaker Kamal serves as our Master Mentor. With a legendary filmography spanning over 40 films—including timeless cultural milestones like Swapnakoodu, Niram, Perumazhakkalam, and Celluloid—Kamal's influence on contemporary storytelling is unmatched. As the former Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, his presence at SIFI offers students rare, direct access to a living master of the craft, teaching them how to balance box-office resonance with profound artistic integrity.
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With over a quarter-century of distinguished academic leadership, Dr. Rakesh Kalia serves as the foundational anchor of SIFI. A veteran educator and former Professor at Mary Matha College, Mananthavady, he holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi. Dr. Kalia brings a profound understanding of language, literature, and institutional excellence to the institute, ensuring a structured yet deeply creative environment where future filmmakers can thrive.
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The operational engine behind SIFI, Balachandran V.K. ensures that the institute’s creative vision runs on a flawless infrastructure. Managing the complex logistics, student services, and administrative frameworks of the campus, Balachandran bridges the gap between creative execution and operational precision. His structured leadership guarantees a seamless, resource-rich environment, allowing both faculty and student filmmakers to focus entirely on mastering their craft.
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An intellectual powerhouse with an extraordinary, multi-disciplinary background, Dr. Ratheesh K guides the strategic and academic vision of the institute. Spanning 30 years of elite educational experience, his vast expertise cuts across Economics, Politics, Law, and Business Management—holding an unprecedented array of degrees including an MBA, LL.M, M.Phil, and PhD. Dr. Ratheesh shapes our storytellers into global thinkers equipped to handle both the art and the business of cinema.
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Shiju combines academic knowledge with practical experience in script writing, audio production, and visual storytelling. He holds a Master’s degree in Communication & Journalism from Kannur University, a PG Diploma in Television, and UGC-NET qualification, and is currently pursuing PhD research in film studies. With experience in screenplay writing, audio recording and editing, anchoring, and cinematic storytelling, Shiju focuses on helping students understand contemporary film language and creative media practices through practical and industry-oriented learning.
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Cinema is defined by the human truth captured within the frame. Jijo K Mathew is a highly specialized performance mentor holding a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Acting from the prestigious University of Hyderabad. With 15 years of rigorous practical experience on stage and set, Jijo trains filmmakers to effectively direct actors and guides performance students to command the screen with authenticity, psychological depth, and physical precision.
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Rupesh Kumar treats the edit suite as the place where a film truly comes to life. With two decades of deep industry experience, Rupesh is a master of pacing, structural rhythm, and the precise art of Digital Intermediate (DI) color grading. Armed with a Master of Communication & Journalism from Kerala University and an MA in English from Kannur University, his editing philosophy combines deep narrative psychology with high-end post-production engineering.
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Representing the new vanguard of digital media and spatial design, Kesiya Jacob infuses the animation wing with modern energy and deep platform knowledge. Holding a Master’s degree in Communication & Journalism, Kesiya leverages her 5 years of focused specialization to break down complex compositing, world-building, and digital design workflows into intuitive, industry-ready techniques for her students.
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Athul Raj teaches students how to paint with light and shadow. A specialized visual artist holding a Master of Arts in Cinema & Television from M.G. University, Kottayam, Athul brings half a decade of practical camera and lighting experience to SIFI. His teaching infuses raw technical camera mechanics with classical framing aesthetics, training the next generation of cinematographers to cultivate an instinctive, poetic eye behind the lens.
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If visuals represent the body of a film, sound design is its soul. Ranish Babu is a sonic architect holding a specialized Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Media & Communications from Amrita University. With 5 years of meticulous studio tracking and audio layout experience, Ranish guides students through the physics of raw sound capture, field recording, acoustic texture layers, and final cinematic audio mixing to global acoustic standards.
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Anjali infuses the academic department with contemporary media insights and a highly structural approach to cinema studies. Specializing in the analytical breakdown of cinematic movements, script analysis, and media theory, she mentors students in decoding the subtle visual cues that give a film its cultural weight. Her teaching bridges the gap between historical film aesthetics and the practical, modern demands of independent storytelling.
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Abina Mathew guides young creatives through the intricate processes of creative development and pre-production strategy. Combining an academic foundation with a keen understanding of modern media landscapes, Abina focuses on teaching students structural narrative design, project curation, and the critical processes required to take an idea from a blank page to a set-ready blueprint.
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YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF CINEMATIC EXCELLENCE STARTS HERE. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ALL BA PROGRAMS. WE SEEK REBELS, VISIONARIES, AND POETS READY TO MASTER THE CRAFT.
Studying at SIFI Wayanad means living cinema every day. Discover our admission pathways, scholarship programs, and campus details.
EXPLORE ADMISSIONS →sifiwayanad@gmail.com
+91 8281520380 / +91 9447203755
Thonichal, P. O Nallurnadu
Mananthavady, Wayanad, 670 645
Kerala, India
