In a landmark step for Indian cinema, Women in Film (WIF) India, backed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India, has announced the country’s first-ever women-led delegation to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF, Sept. 4–9, 2025). This historic initiative places Indian women filmmakers at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential cinematic platforms.
WIF India and I&B Ministry launch country’s first women-led TIFF delegation
The initiative is facilitated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and supported by Waves Bazaar—the Ministry of I&B’s flagship global markets platform that is rapidly gaining international recognition. With a growing presence at major festivals and a standalone market planned during TIFF 2025, Waves Bazaar continues to amplify India’s role in the global creative economy.
Conceptualized and led by WIF India, the programme reflects the Government of India’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in cinema and expanding opportunities for them on the global stage.
The delegation features six projects helmed by women in key creative roles, selected through a nationwide contest that drew more than 200 applications in just one week. Entries arrived from across India—including Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, and Chandigarh. From 23 shortlisted projects, six filmmakers were chosen as winners: Arshaly Jose (A Dandelion’s Dream), Deepa Bhatia (Rabbit Hole), KatyayaniKumar (Sons of The River), Madhumita Sundararaman(The Guest House), Paromita Dhar (Ulta), and PramatiAnand (A Late Autumn Dream).
The final selection was made by a distinguished international jury of producers, cultural leaders, and industry experts whose combined experience spans Academy Award–winning films, global film markets, and women’s advocacy in cinema.
This Ministry-backed programme provides international visibility, mentorship, curated networking, and pitching/dealmaking training. It is designed to bridge the gap in representation, while creating long-term pathways for Indian women filmmakers to access global collaborations, funding, and distribution.
The delegation will be coordinated with Product of Culture (U.S.), which previously partnered with WIF India for its Cannes showcase. Continued mentorship will be offered by WIF India, WIF LA, Academy Award-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, and the Jury, ensuring sustained global visibility for India’s women storytellers.
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