HoC | Film Fund

All about the Fund

The Humans of Cinema x Safarnaama Pictures Co-Production Fund is designed to support emerging filmmakers with a distinct voice and a novel storytelling vision. Through this initiative, we aim to back a feature film at the script or early development stage with both creative and production support, and with acclaimed filmmaker Shaunak Sen attached as Executive Producer. At its core, it’s about creating an ecosystem to enable meaningful cinema in India.

Co-production Support

A Rs 40 Lakh fund and complete co-production backing from Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures throughout every stage, and additional support from Kiterabbit Films.

Expert Mentorship

Filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj & Shaunak Sen on screenplay, production and distribution, and Shaunak attached to the selected film as Executive Producer.

Industry Exposure

Exposure to our network of leading filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals. Your film will be seen by people who can make a difference.
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Distribution & Festival Strategy

Support in festival strategy, market positioning, and potential distribution pathways for the completed film.

Who is it for?

Open to Indian citizens aged 18+ (NRI included)

Must have directed at least 2 short films or 1 feature film

Only scripts registered with a recognized authority (such as SWA, WGA, or a Copyright Office) will be eligible for submission

Applicants must submit a pitch deck in the first round, including (but not limited to) a short synopsis, long synopsis, and work links.

Submission Guidelines

Download the Rulebook

Find detailed submission guidelines, including eligibility criteria, formats, and terms, all in one document.

Download PDF

The Process and Timeline

From application
to production.

Application Fees

₹ 1,499

Apply

May 15 - Jun 30

Apply

Applicants will be required to submit the pitch deck, including (but not limited to) a short synopsis, long synopsis, and work links.

July

Screening

All submissions will be reviewed to identify high-potential projects based on predefined evaluation criteria.

August

Shortlist & Pitch

Week 1: 5-10 shortlisted projects will be announced for the second round. Selected applicants will be required to submit their full script and optionally, a proof of concept.
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‍Mid-August: Final round: shortlisted applicants will pitch to the fund team.

September

Final Selection

1 project will be selected for the co production fund.

Post Selection

Production

The selected project moves into production

Evaluated by masters of the craft

Mentors

Vishal Bhardwaj

Filmmaker

Vishal Bhardwaj is a celebrated Indian filmmaker, writer, and composer, best known for his Shakespeare trilogy- Maqbool, Omkara, and Haider. With multiple National Awards and films like Kaminey, Makdee, and Ishqiya, he remains a defining voice in modern Indian cinema.

Shaunak Sen

Filmmaker

Shaunak Sen is an award-winning Indian filmmaker known for deeply observational documentaries like All That Breathes, which received global acclaim and an Oscar nomination. He will serve as Executive Producer on the selected project.

Jury members

Arati Kadav

Filmmaker

Arati Kadav is an Indian filmmaker and writer known science fiction and introspective storytelling. She gained recognition with her debut sci-fi film Cargo (2019), and her sophomore film Mrs. that explores themes of patriarchy and identity. Her work blends genre with emotional depth, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary Indian independent cinema.

Imran Khan

Actor

Imran Khan is an Indian actor and filmmaker known for his work in Hindi cinema. He rose to fame with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008) and went on to star in films like Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, earning recognition for his relatable, urban screen presence. He’s also the director of the acclaimed short film Mission Mars.

Aseem Chhabra

Author and Festival Programmer

Aseem Chhabra is an Indian film journalist, author, and festival curator. He has contributed to The New York Times and BBC News, and serves as the Director of the New York Indian Film Festival. He has authored biographies including Shashi Kapoor: The Householder, The Star, Irrfan Khan: The Man, The Dreamer, The Star, and Priyanka Chopra: The Incredible Story of a Global Bollywood Star.

Aman Mann

Producer

Aman Mann is a filmmaker and media researcher based in New Delhi. He was the Associate Director of Cities of Sleep(Dir. Shaunak Sen), which screened at international festivals. His work spans ad films, short documentaries, and video installations, alongside his PhD research in Cinema Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is also the co-producer of the in-production film Airborne, supported by IDFA Bertha Fund, Sundance Documentary Fund, and Catapult Film Fund.

Meet the Team

Harshit Bansal

Founder, Humans of Cinema

Harshit Bansal is the Founder of Humans of Cinema. He served as an Associate Producer of the award-winning short film Thursday Special, as a producer on an upcoming stop-motion short film The Chair, and has served on the jury of multiple film festivals & competitions. He is currently leading this co-production grant initiative under Humans of Cinema.

Nazim Momin

Founder, Safarnaama Pictures

Akriti Sharma

Associate Director, Humans of Cinema

Ready to Apply?

Opens on May 15 - Closes June 30 2026

Be a part of something big

APPLY NOW

FAQs

Everything you need to know before applying

Have questions? Mail us at:
filmschool@humansofcinema.com

Who can apply for this fund?

Any Indian filmmaker aged 18+ who has directed at least 1 feature film or at least 2 short films. Your project must be a feature film in any Indian language, any genre, from locked script to early development.

What does ₹40 lakh in co-production mean?

A ₹40 lakh co-production fund means the selected film receives ₹40,00,000 in funding along with Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures as production partners involved from development to distribution, not just as financiers. Additionally, with Shaunak Sen onboard as Executive Producer, the selected project also gets mentorship, creative guidance, and industry access alongside the funding.

Should the film budget be under ₹40 lakh?

No, that is not necessary. This is a co-production fund, where ₹40 lakh is the contribution from Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures. If the total budget exceeds this amount, additional producers or financiers can be brought on board.

What do I need to submit?

Applicants need to submit a pitch deck including (but not limited to) a short synopsis, long synopsis, and work links. Shortlisted applicants in the next round will be required to submit the full script and, optionally, a proof of concept. Only scripts registered with a valid authority (such as SWA, WGA, or a Copyright Office) are eligible.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, ₹1499 per submission. This helps us manage the process sustainably and ensures committed applications.

Is my script confidential?

Absolutely. All submitted materials are treated as strictly confidential. Scripts and ideas are not shared outside the evaluation team, and all involved parties are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Feature Film

Co-Production Fund

₹4,000,000

All about the Fund

The Process and Timeline

Evaluated by masters of the craft

Mentors

Jury members

Meet the Team

Ready to Apply?

FAQs

Who can apply for this fund?

Any Indian filmmaker aged 18+ who has directed at least 1 feature film or at least 2 short films. Your project must be a feature film in any Indian language, any genre, from locked script to early development.

What does ₹40 lakh in co-production mean?

Should the film budget be under ₹40 lakh?

No, that is not necessary. This is a co-production fund, where ₹40 lakh is the contribution from Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures. If the total budget exceeds this amount, additional producers or financiers can be brought on board.

What do I need to submit?

Is there an application fee?

Yes, ₹1499 per submission. This helps us manage the process sustainably and ensures committed applications.

Is my script confidential?

Absolutely. All submitted materials are treated as strictly confidential. Scripts and ideas are not shared outside the evaluation team, and all involved parties are bound by confidentiality agreements.

How many projects will be selected?

Only 1 project will be selected for the co-production fund.

Is the application fee refundable?

The application fee is a one-time, non refundable fee.

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