TIL Desk Cannes(France):
Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor makes a powerful Cannes debut with Women in Film India, launching a bold new initiative spotlighting three rising women producers from India.
Making its official debut this month under the leadership of Guneet Monga Kapoor, Women in Film India has announced its first-ever fellowship cohort, honoring three trailblazing women: Berlinale-featured actor and emerging producer Tillotama Shome, veteran creative executive Rucha Pathak, and Dimpy Agarwal, known for her powerful, socially conscious films.
“With WIF India, we’re putting real structure behind the idea of equality – mentorship, access, and leadership pathways,” said Monga Kapoor, founder of WIF India. “This launch is just the beginning of a long term commitment in investing in women not just for today, but for the future of the Indian entertainment industry.”
The Women in Film India Fellowship: Cannes Producers Edition offers mid-career Indian producers exclusive access to the prestigious Producers Network at the Cannes Film Market. Each fellow brings a bold and unique creative voice to the global stage, together reflecting the dynamic range and ambition of India’s rapidly evolving film landscape.
Extending its commitment to regional storytelling, WIF India has also awarded a special accreditation grant to Shefali Bhushan, a standout producer from the Marathi-language industry—amplifying underrepresented voices and broadening the fellowship’s national impact.
Supported by Women In Film Los Angeles (WIF LA) and Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), the India chapter joins a powerful global network spanning over 50 chapters across six continents—all united in advancing gender equity in entertainment. This landmark launch marks a pivotal moment for India’s creative community, building on decades of international advocacy for inclusion, representation, and systemic change in media.
“Our partnership with Women in Film, India marks an important step toward building a strong, interconnected community that supports women across all aspects of the screen industries,” said Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film. “This fellowship is a key part of the solution to ensuring that women have equal opportunity to create high quality film and television.”
Beyond gaining insight into international co-production and financing landscapes, fellowship recipients will receive mentorship and networking opportunities on a global scale. Participants are also tasked with sharing their knowledge with the broader WIF India community, creating a multiplier effect that extends the program’s impact beyond the festival itself.
In addition to gaining critical insights into international co-production and financing ecosystems, fellowship recipients will benefit from high-level mentorship and global networking opportunities. As part of the program’s ethos, each fellow will also give back by sharing their learnings with the broader WIF India community—creating a powerful multiplier effect that extends the impact far beyond Cannes and into the heart of India’s film industry. https://womeninfilmindia.org
