New Fund Launched to Support Independent Filmmakers in India
Aspiring filmmakers often face significant hurdles when trying to tell their stories, especially without proper backing. To help bridge this gap, Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have created a groundbreaking co-production fund worth Rs 40,00,000. This fund is aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers with fresh ideas and strong visions.
In a major step for independent cinema, noted filmmaker Shaunak Sen, known for his work on “All That Breathes,” and renowned director Vishal Bhardwaj have come on board as mentors for the fund. Sen will also serve as an Executive Producer for the selected project.
The fund’s jury features prominent figures including actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav, producer Aman Mann, and Aseem Chhabra, a respected author and festival director.
Harshit Bansal, the founder of Humans of Cinema, shared that the concept came to life after a conversation with Nazim Momin from Safarnaama Pictures, who is passionate about supporting independent cinema in India. Together, they aim to assist filmmakers in creating works that are both suitable for festivals and engaging for local audiences.
Mentor Vishal Bhardwaj expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “Independent cinema thrives when people recognize hidden talents before they’re fully discovered. I’m proud to support a project dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Indian filmmakers.”
Shaunak Sen echoed these sentiments, noting the dwindling opportunities for independent cinema. He said, “I’m thrilled that Humans of Cinema is creating this filmmaker-centric fund. I look forward to collaborating with the selected projects.”
The urgency for such initiatives resonated with the jury. Imran Khan emphasized the need for platforms that can guide budding filmmakers, stating, “I’m excited to support the HOC Film Fund.”
Arati Kadav remarked that this co-production fund is a natural progression, expressing her eagerness to connect with new voices and stories through the initiative.
Aseem Chhabra added, “This is an excellent chance for a young filmmaker to make their first feature and showcase it at international festivals, which is crucial for elevating Indian cinema on the global stage.”
Bansal stressed that the country is rich in talent but lacks the proper channels to bring stories to life. He said, “Our goal is to discover unique voices in filmmaking and provide them with the necessary support to create and distribute their films effectively.”
The fund welcomes applications from Indian citizens who are 18 and older and have directed at least two short films or one feature film. Interested filmmakers can submit their projects for a non-refundable fee of Rs 1499.
This initiative marks a hopeful step toward fostering independent cinema in India, encouraging talented filmmakers to share their unique stories with the world.
