NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab 2024 Highlights Six Promising Writers And Their Scripts

We received over 150 applications this year from 21 states. Out of these, six projects spanning various genres have been chosen for the 17th edition of NFDC Screenwriters' Lab. This initiative aims to develop and promote original voices across India. The selected scripts, written by filmmakers of ad films, short films, novels, documentaries, and feature films, are in multiple languages including Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Konyak, English, and Maithili.

The three-part intensive Screenwriters' Lab is part of NFDC Labs' ongoing effort to cultivate original voices and stories from India. Selected participants engage with renowned mentors in a rigorous five-month program. They refine their screenplays through personalised interactions and group sessions under the guidance of acclaimed script experts from India and abroad. These projects will be pitched to producers and investors during Film Bazaar 2024.

This year's mentors include Marten Rabarts (New Zealand), Claire Dobbin (Australia), and Ritesh Shah (India). Marten Rabarts has over 30 years of experience in the film industry. He was the Festival Director of the New Zealand International Film Festival and headed EYE International at the national film museum of the Netherlands. Claire Dobbin is a globally active script editor and executive producer who has worked with development agencies worldwide. Ritesh Shah has contributed to numerous successful films like Kahaani and Pink.

"We at NFDC believe that a well-written script is the foundation of a compelling story," said the NFDC Film Bazaar team. "We train our writers to develop their unique stories while pitching them successfully to domestic and international producers at Film Bazaar."

1. Hawa Mithai by Anuritta K Jha - Maithili & Hindi

A six-year-old village boy named Tundu embarks on a fantastical journey inspired by Lord Hanumanji's legend to win back his mother's love.

2. I'll Smile in September by Aakash Chhabra - Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi & Punjabi

A young brass band player in Old Delhi tries to move on after losing his front teeth in a brutal altercation that separated him from his love.

3. Kalaa Kaali (The Art Of The Dark) by Anam Danish - English & Hindi

Siblings investigate a family death only to uncover a generational curse involving black magic.

4. Konyak by Uddhav Ghosh - Konyak Naga & Hindi & English

A young warrior named Thungpang Konyak confronts his former friend turned enemy amidst Nagaland's beauty to protect his community.

5. Mangal - The Holy Beast by Triparna Maiti - Assamese, Malayalam & Hindi

An elephant calf named Mangal experiences love and loss as he becomes a revered deity worshipped as God but ultimately decides to break free from chains.

6. Piyush Ki Toh...Nikal Padi (To Pee or Not To Pee) by Piyush Srivastava - Hindi

Piyush faces a comedic nightmare when he forgets his adult diapers on his first visit to his in-laws' house.

Previous Success Stories

Previous award-winning projects originating from the NFDC Screenwriters' Lab include LUNCHBOX (Ritesh Batra), LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA (Alankrita Shrivastava), DUM LAGA KE HAISHA (Sharat Katariya), TITLI (Kanu Behl), SHAB (Onir), A DEATH IN THE GUNJ (Konkona Sen Sharma), ISLAND CITY (Ruchika Oberoi), BOMBAY ROSE (Gitanjali Rao), CHUSKIT (Priya Ramasubban), In the Belly of a Tiger (Siddartha Jatla), Fire in the Mountains (Ajitpal Singh) Ullozhukku (Christo Tomy).

The selected participants will work closely with experienced mentors like Marten Rabarts who has significantly contributed to films like The Lunchbox and Titli through NFDC LABS. Claire Dobbin has been an influential figure in international script workshops since 2005 and has led initiatives at Melbourne International Film Festival. Ritesh Shah's notable works include dialogues for Kahaani and Pink.

The aim is not only to train writers but also help them pitch their stories effectively while keeping industry trends in mind.