All Women Delegation Heads To Toronto Fest

MUMBAI – India will send its first-ever all-women delegation to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which opens on September 4 and runs through September 9.

From 23 shortlisted projects, six filmmakers were selected: Arshaly Jose (A Dandelion’s Dream), Deepa Bhatia (Rabbit Hole), Katyayani Kumar (Sons of the River), Madhumita Sundararaman (The Guest House), Paromita Dhar (Ulta), and Pramati Anand (A Late Autumn Dream).

The initiative, facilitated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and supported by Waves Bazaar, India’s flagship global markets platform, aims to spotlight Indian women filmmakers on one of the world’s most influential stages.

Founded in 1973 as Women in Film, Los Angeles, WIF has been advocating for gender equity in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.

The selection was made through a nationwide contest that drew more than 200 applications within a week, with entries from across states including Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, and Chandigarh.

The program, backed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, offers international visibility, mentorship, curated networking, and pitching and deal-making training. Organizers say it is designed to close gaps in representation and create long-term pathways for Indian women filmmakers to secure global collaborations, funding, and distribution.

WIF India will coordinate the program with U.S.-based Product of Culture, which previously partnered with the organization for its Cannes showcase. Continued mentorship will be provided by WIF India, WIF LA, Academy Award winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, and the jury.

The initiative was first announced in May, with Monga leading the effort as part of the global Women in Film & Television International network, launched at the 77th Cannes Film Festival to advance gender equity in India’s screen industries. (IANS)