VISIONING INDIA

PSBT - FILMS DIVISION FILM FELLOWSHIPS 2010

WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUBMITTED PROPOSALS TO US.

WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING PROPOSALS ANY MORE. 

PSBT actively engages in commissioning and supervision of the production of independent documentary films in a transparent, credible and professional manner to provide genuine support, mentoring and encouragement to truly independent documentary filmmakers. We do not work with production companies or middlepersons.

Our commissioning procedure is transparent wherein all proposals received are circulated amongst all our Trustees and partner organisations. Based on their comments and our expertise, a short list is arrived at and Films are commissioned.

PSBT offers extensive feedback to filmmakers at each stage of the production. Scripts and rough cuts are viewed and evaluated by distinguished film/ media persons who provide constructive, well-motivated comments.

GUIDELINES

We look forward to innovative and creative proposals that are nuanced, insightful and articulate varied realities. Filmmakers are free to explore any issue or subject relating to the theme and not be bound by the Commissioning Brief below. PSBT is always open to considering exceptional proposals that push the boundaries – of both form and content.

The duration of the films will 52 minutes. Budgets will not exceed Rs 7 lakh. In exceptional cases, we might consider films of 26 minutes duration, especially from first time filmmakers. Budgets will need to well argued and presented with the finished Film reflecting the budgeted inputs. Since we would like to support as many films as our resources allow, reasonable budgets will be an important consideration in evaluating proposals.

The Films can be in any major Indian language, including English. If the Film is in a language other than English, Filmmakers will be required to provide an English version as well.

Proposals, to be submitted electronically only, must be received by 22nd February 2010 using only PSBT's Online Preliminary Proposal Form. Please note that Forms in  any other Format or sent by post will NOT be accepted.

Filmmakers can submit only ONE proposal for consideration.

Please do not send us a detailed proposal or sample work. If, and when required, we will request filmmakers to do so.

India means different things to different people. Proposals under this theme may engage with contemporary India – as nation, state, peoples, memory, identity, community, construct, boundaries, history, cultures, imagination and reality. Borrowing from lived and real experiences, the films should be explorations of India from various standpoints. They could engage with personal individual narratives to social histories, environment, democracy, equality, freedom, cultures, development, livelihood, struggles, citizenship, visions of those who belong to those who are excluded.

India is unique in its long civilisational history of embracing and celebrating diversity. Despite occasional aberrations that dominate the headlines, this is an enduring reality.

We seek proposals for films that will meaningfully engage in affirming and critiquing their myriad manifestations, embracing issues such as (but not limited to) the environment, religion, arts, culture, rituals, economic systems, education, knowledge systems, livelihoods, sexualities, etc.  They could explore these in contexts such as personal quests, national identity, political action, people's movements, globalisation, issues of equity, etc.  While celebrating and applauding diversities, we also seek explorations that enquire into processes and forces that both nurture and threaten them. 

Films that move beyond empty rhetoric and celebrate, recognise, acknowledge, problematise, question, dialogue, critique, revel in, communicate, deconstruct and unpack the many notions and layers of what is India.