Dharamshala — "The initiative hopes to encourage and develop film-making talent in the Himalayan regions of India by providing an opportunity to young, up-and-coming filmmakers from the area to attend DIFF 2016 and participate in it's various events, which include screenings of the best of contemporary independent cinema and master classes and workshops held by visiting filmmakers and industry professionals. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to engage in special one-on-one mentorship sessions with visiting filmmakers," said DIFF organizers.
The fellows programme will be held between 1-6 November this year. In order to be eligible for the same applicants must be between 18-30 years of age. The applicant also must send in a completed entry form and link to a short film that she or he has directed. After a screening process 5 young filmmakers shall be chosen. The selected candidates expenditure will be covered from transport to accommodation.
Mentorship sessions, screenings of the best contemporary independent cinema, master classes by visiting filmmakers and industry professionals, and panel discussions on contemporary film-making will be made available to the selected few. The application deadline is 16th August 2016 and the selection will be declared by 19th September 2016.
"This platform not only encourages us to embrace cinema but also gives us the confidence to pursue our careers in film-making" – Tribeny Rai, DIFF Film Fellow 2015
"We had long sessions with the mentors on observing and understanding time and space in life, and how to recreate it in cinema. The mentors constantly pushed us to redefine cinema for ourselves. There were two great days full of exercises and reflection with a whole lot of support. The festival in itself was an opportunity to watch great cinema." – Srishti Lakhera, DIFF Film Fellow 2015.