2026 Applications Open
TASVEER FILM FUND
Empowering filmmakers to bring bold and authentic voices from the perspective of South Asian stories, while bridging emerging talent with the industry at large.
About the Fund
Program Details
Investing in the Future Filmmakers of Hollywood
The Tasveer Film Fund is North America’s leading grant program supporting films rooted in the perspective of South Asian. Supported by Netflix and presented by Tasveer, the home of the world’s only Oscar®-qualifying South Asian film festival, the Fund champions bold, authentic storytelling from South Asia and its diaspora.
Completed films premiere within Tasveer’s Oscar®-qualifying festival ecosystem, creating pathways for visibility, recognition, and career growth.
View 2025 Winners
Tasveer Film Fund
2026 Applications Open
Funding Priorities
Our Four Core Objectives
The fund is designed to move filmmakers from strong story ideas to real industry opportunity, with focused support at every stage.
Greenlight bold South Asian stories
Support culturally specific, globally resonant stories that have historically been overlooked.
Provide tailored mentorship
Connect finalists with experienced industry mentors throughout development and production.
Create real industry access
Offer live pitch opportunities at the Tasveer Film Market with studios, funders, and decision-makers.
Showcase films on a prestigious platform
Give winning films visibility with committed audiences and potential pathways to the awards circuit.
Important Dates
Dates & Deadlines
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June 22, 2026Opening Date
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July 25, 2026Tasveer Film Fund Deadline
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September 10, 2026Notification Date
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October 13–15, 2026Event Date
Applications
Submit Your Project
Prepare your short film project for review and submit through FilmFreeway by July 25, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must center around the perspective of South Asian stories, characters, cultures, or diaspora experiences.
- Narrative short films only.
- A completed final short film script (max 20 pages) is required at the time of submission.
- No production must have begun prior to submission.
- Applicants of all backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, and religions are welcome, provided their work aligns with Tasveer’s mission.
- Applicants must be mid-level directors with 3+ years of experience, having completed at least two short films.
- Must be a resident of North America with a valid visa at the time of submission.
- Total budget must be all-inclusive of the $35,000 USD grant amount and must not exceed it.
- Budget must be a complete line-item breakdown.
Application Process
1
Submit your application and completed script on FilmFreeway.
2
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted by independent readers and executives.
3
Shortlisted filmmakers pitch their projects to industry judges.
4
Four winners are selected to receive a $35,000 grant each.
FilmFreeway
Application Portal
Applications close July 25, 2026.
Required Materials
- ✓ Full screenplay (5–20 pages max)
- ✓ Logline
- ✓ Short synopsis
- ✓ Director’s statement
- ✓ Director & Producer bios
- ✓ Visual treatment / lookbook
- ✓ Budget top sheet
- ✓ Detailed line-item budget (mandatory)
- ✓ Production timeline (must complete first cut by April 1st, 2027)
- ✓ Optional: attached talent or partners
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Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information about eligibility, funding, dates, and the application process.
Are global applications welcome?
The Tasveer Film Fund is now open to filmmakers from around the world!
To be eligible, either the filmmaker or the lead attached producer must be a North American resident (U.S or Canada). This change is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration
What do you mean by proof of residency?
Please include proof of North American residency for the eligible filmmaker or lead attached producer in your Director's/Filmmaker's Statement.
The Tasveer Film Fund team reserves the right to review eligibility and make final decisions at its discretion.
What are the eligible production locations and timeline?
Films may be shot anywhere in the world. Since the film has to be produced in 4 months between November 2026- late March 2027, we encourage productions to have one primary shooting location in one city/country to help streamline production and maximize the grant.
What are the Budget Guidelines?
Submit a detailed, all-inclusive budget that reflects fair pay for cast and crew and includes all anticipated costs—from pre-production, production, and post-production to locations, travel, equipment, marketing, distribution, festival submissions, and festival travel. Please reserve funds for festival submissions and crew travel. Maximum budgets should not exceed $35K.
What is the production timeline?
Please submit a clear and realistic production plan. A first cut of the film must be delivered by April 1 2027, so your timeline should demonstrate how you will complete production and post-production in time to meet this deadline. Pre Production from late October to early January; Shoot between January to late February; First Edit by April 1st; Post Production from April to Mid June; Delivery in July 2027.
Does the North American resident need to apply on FilmFreeway?
Either the filmmaker or the lead producer can apply, but please provide the role and proof of residency in your documents.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Filmmaker or North American Lead Producer? What will they be responsible for?
Eligibility: This fund is open only to filmmakers who are legal residents of North America (United States, Canada, or Mexico). The Director or Lead Producer must be the primary applicant and main point of contact with Tasveer. Either may apply through FilmFreeway, but they are required to provide proof of residency in their Filmmaker Statement. The primary applicant will be responsible for the successful completion of the project. If selected, they must participate in an online verification process and submit their North American banking details before receiving the grant.
What do you mean by North American resident?
This fund is open only to filmmakers who are legal residents of North America (United States, Canada, or Mexico). The Director or Lead Producer is required to provide proof of residency in their Filmmaker Statement.
Who can apply to the Tasveer Film Fund?
The fund is open to North American residents with a valid visa whose narrative short film projects center the perspective of South Asian stories, characters, cultures, or diaspora experiences. Applicants must be mid-level directors with 3+ years of experience and at least two completed short films.
Filmmaker or Lead Producer must be a resident of North America with a valid visa at the time of submission. Please provide proof of residency in your director's statement application.
What will the shortlisted winners receive?
- Up to $1,000 USD in airfare per team
- Two nights of lodging (one room per team) at the Sheraton
- Two Tasveer Film Festival & Market Full Access Badges
What will the selected winners receive?
Four winners will each receive a $35,000 grant, along with mentorship and opportunities for industry access through Tasveer’s network and Film Market programming.
What is the application deadline?
Applications open June 22, 2026, and the Tasveer Film Fund deadline is July 25, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified on September 10, 2026.
What materials are required?
Applicants should prepare a full screenplay (5–20 pages max) that will amount to a 20 min short film, logline, short synopsis, director’s statement, director and producer bios, visual treatment or lookbook, budget top sheet, detailed line-item budget, production timeline, and any optional attached talent or partners.
Where do I submit my application?
All applications are submitted through the FilmFreeway portal. Use any “Apply Now” button on this page to open the application portal in a new tab.
When will the Tasveer Film Market take place?
The 2026 event dates are October 13–15, 2026.
Your story belongs on screen
Ready to submit your project?
Apply through FilmFreeway by July 25, 2026 for the opportunity to see your film funded and screened!
Apply Now on FilmFreeway