Aspiring documentary filmmakers in India have a significant opportunity to bring their unique stories to life with the announcement of the 2025-26 Documentary Film Fellowships. This initiative, a collaboration between Rough Edges and the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation, aims to foster artistic research and experimentation, supporting the creation of evocative films that delve into innovative ideas and nuanced perspectives.
Key Takeaways
- Focus: Supports feminist inquiries, alternative narratives, and explorations of marginalized experiences.
- Eligibility: Open to women, trans, and queer filmmakers residing in India.
- Funding: Three fellowships of ₹3,00,000 each.
- Timeline: Film completion expected within 8-9 months.
- Deadline: September 20, 2025.
Championing Unheard Voices
The fellowships are specifically designed to encourage films that explore unconventional, unheard, and neglected experiences, realities, and forms of knowledge. They seek to highlight the fragile, the marginal, the unexplored, and the silenced aspects of existence, particularly as they are mediated by gender, caste, class, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability, age, ethnicity, work, and region. The goal is to give form and language to these routinely invisibilized ordinaries, challenging mainstream understandings and fostering new conversations and possibilities.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcomed from individuals, teams, or collectives of women, trans, and queer filmmakers based in India. The organizers particularly encourage voices from communities marginalized by caste, class, dis/ability, religion, ethnicity, work, or region. While proposals can be submitted in any language, the final films must be subtitled in English. The desired film length is between 40 and 60 minutes. Innovative formats and treatments are highly encouraged.
Fellowship Details and Support
Three fellowships, each valued at ₹3,00,000, will be awarded. Recipients will be expected to complete their films within an eight to nine-month period. The fellowship includes mentorship and feedback from both Rough Edges and the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation. It’s important to note that only projects in the early stages of development or conceived specifically for this call are eligible; proposals for projects nearing completion or seeking only post-production funds will not be considered. Each applicant or team is limited to submitting one proposal by the September 20, 2025 deadline.
Supporting Artistic Expression
The Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation, established to honor the legacy of the artist Mrinalini Mukherjee and her family, is dedicated to supporting visual art practitioners, scholars, and students. Through initiatives like these fellowships, the foundation aims to create vital platforms for innovative artistic expression and foster collaborations within the cultural landscape.
