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
-
June 22, 2026Opening Date
-
July 25, 2026Tasveer Film Fund Deadline
-
September 10, 2026Notification Date
-
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
Supported by
Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information about eligibility, funding, dates, and the application process.
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.
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), 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