New INR40 Lakh Fund Launches for India's Independent Filmmakers
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Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have launched a INR40 lakh co-production fund to support feature films by India's emerging independent filmmakers. Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and Oscar-nominated director Shaunak Sen are attached as mentors, and Sen will serve as executive producer on the selected project. The initiative aims to provide financial backing and mentorship to eligible filmmakers.
Facts First
- A new INR40 lakh co-production fund has been launched by Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures.
- Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen are attached as mentors, with Sen serving as executive producer.
- The fund's jury includes actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav, producer Aman Mann, and festival director Aseem Chhabra.
- Eligibility requires Indian citizenship, age 18 or older, and a directing credit of at least two shorts or one feature.
- Shaunak Sen's production company, Kiterabrit Films, is contributing to the fund.
What Happened
Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have launched a new INR40 lakh co-production fund for feature films aimed at India's emerging independent filmmakers. Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and Oscar-nominated director Shaunak Sen are attached as mentors to the fund, with Sen also serving as executive producer on the project ultimately selected for backing. The fund's jury includes actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav, 'All That Breathes' producer Aman Mann, and festival director Aseem Chhabra. Humans of Cinema founder Harshit Bansal stated the initiative resulted from a connection with Nazim Momin, a U.S.-based engineer and producer who runs Safarnaama Pictures, after Momin approached him on Instagram.
Why this Matters to You
If you are an aspiring filmmaker in India, this fund may provide a new pathway to finance and produce your feature film. The mentorship from established figures like Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen could offer valuable guidance, and Shaunak Sen's direct involvement as executive producer on the selected project might increase its visibility and professional polish.
What's Next
The fund will now begin its selection process, with the jury reviewing applications from eligible Indian filmmakers. The selected project will move forward with Shaunak Sen's company, Kiterabbit Films, contributing to the fund and Sen serving as executive producer.