Mumbai, July 18, 2012: Whistling Woods International (WWI), an Institute for Film, Communication, Animation & Media Arts Institute, celebrated its 5th Annual Convocation Ceremony today at St. Andrews in Bandra, Mumbai. 155 students have graduated from 10 disciplines this year. Prominent personalities from the film fraternity, media and entertainment and corporate world like Waheeda Rahman, Salman Khan, Ashok Mehta, Shyam Benegal, Amole Gupte, Subhash Chandra were present on this significant day to encourage the batch of young talent entering the Indian film and entertainment industry.
Speaking on the occasion of the 5th Annual Convocation Ceremony, Mr. Subhash Ghai, Founder and Chairman, Whistling Woods International said, “Today, we at Whistling Woods are celebrating the 5th convocation ceremony and I am delighted to see all our alumni well placed in the industry. My dream to set up a world class institute for the youth and nurturing this dream with the right environment and experiences, leading them to achieve success in their career is clearly reflected every year on this day. From this day on, our students step into the industry, infusing it with new life and a fresh perspective. We wish our graduating students all the very best.”
Every year, Whistling Woods International on its Annual Convocation Day, acknowledges two stalwarts from the Indian Film Industry with the WWI Maestro Award. Keeping this tradition going, the WWI Maestro Award for 2012 was conferred upon Waheeda Rehman & Ashok Mehta for their lifelong contribution towards enriching Indian cinema and entertainment industry. While presenting the awards, Mr. Ghai said, “Both Waheeda Rahman & Ashok Mehta arestalwarts of our industry and have been great veterans. Their presence on this significant occasion is truly appreciated. Their achievements are a source of inspiration for these students to achieve their dreams.”
The valedictorians were presented to two students, Raghavendra Naik and Parikshit Jha, both of whom have passed out of Editing as their Filmmaking specialization. Parikshit Jha is currently working with Amole Gupte.During the year 2011-2012 WWI alumni have worked on several films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Shanghai, Don 2, Agneepath, Ferrari ki Sawari, Kahaani, Sahib Biwi aur Gangster, Ishaqzaade, Desi Boyz, Iti Mrinalini, Ra One, Ragini MMS, No one killed Jessica and many more.
Expressing her delight to be a part of Convocation ceremony of WWI, Ms. Waheeda Rehman said, “I wish I could go back 40-50 years and come back and study at WWI as a student. There is so much to learn under one roof. All the students are very lucky to be a part of this institute.” She added, “Learning is very important but this is not the end. This is just the beginning.”
Summarizing the entire event and addressing the students, Ms. Meghna Ghai-Puri said, "It is a challenging time for us I know but I believe that Whistling Woods is a beacon of education that will continue to shine under all circumstances. Remember that our beacons are these students right here. Nothing and no one will take this away from us."
About Whistling Woods International:
Founded by Subhash Ghai and promoted by Mukta Arts Limited & Filmcity Mumbai, Whistling Woods International is an institute for Film, Communication, Animation and Media Arts, providing world-class education in all technical and creative aspects of Film, Television and Media arts, offering courses, in the areas of Acting, Animation, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Screenwriting and Sound. Whistling Woods International was the first to offer an MBA in Media & Entertainment in association with Manipal University in Indiaand WWI now has its own School of Media and Communication, under which it offers MBA and BBA in Media and Entertainment. Besides, WWI has also launched a very unique one year program in STUNT ACTING which is not offered at any other institute in India and which gives the students an opportunity to intern at the ‘High Chaparral’ in Sweden.
The Academic Advisory board & Faculty of Whistling Woods International comprises of academicians and accomplished industry professionals. Leading Indian & International filmmakers, actors & technicians like Rakeysh Mehra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Farhan Akhtar, Nandita Das, Vidya Balan, Karan Johar, Ashok Amritraj, Shyam Benegal, Farah Khan, Danny Boyle, Leonard Goldberg, John Landis, Rajkumar Hirani, Nagesh Kukunoor and several more conduct regular Masterclasses.
The curriculum at Whistling Woods International is a unique hybrid of theoretical and practical aspects combining art with business principles for all specializations. The courses at Whistling Woods International are designed to ensure that students' learnings are collaborative and industry oriented.
Whistling Woods International has initiated affiliations with several International film schools. These include pioneering activities in India like credits transfer and International student co-productions. Some of the schools that are affiliated with the Institute are Deakin College Australia, Griffith College Australia, Bradford College UK, Syracuse University USA & NYU Tisch Singapore.
These unique elements in the teaching methodology have seen Whistling Woods International's student body growing from strength to strength over the past four years. More than 15% of the student body comprises of International students .The Institute is highly committed to ensuring that its students move into the industry in creative and rewarding areas of employment. Student placements have been initiated with several leading media organizations like Aamir Khan Productions, Anil Kapoor Productions, BIG Animation, Balaji Telefilms, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment, Fox Star Studios India, Mukta Arts Limited, Paprikaas, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance BIG Entertainment, Walkwater Films and several more. Whistling Woods’ continues strongly on its path to be the institute of choice for media education globally.
For additional information, please visit www.whistlingwoods.net. Or write to us at info@whistlingwoods.net
Posted By RASRAJ