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The M
Film Lab

Empowering Minority Filmmakers

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Film Labs

Spring 2023 Programs: South Asian Screenwriters

Despite recent gains, South Asians are among the most underrepresented minority groups in film and TV.  Even more woeful than the numbers, is the quality of their representation. Whenever South Asians appear on screen, they are often treated poorly in the storyline. Characters are often invisible, stereotyped, tokenized, almost always reflect tired tropes – all which point to a dearth in the quality of the writing.  That is why we are focusing our Spring 2023 program on finding and empowering talented screenwriters of South Asian descent. We are looking for scripts of any genre and subject matter, so long as they are written in the authentic voice of the writer.

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now accepting applicants!

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icon_KeydatesKey Dates
02FEB
Applications Open
15MAR
Application Deadline
28APR
2nd Cohort Announcement
04MAY
Film Lab Starts
14MAY
Film Lab Ends
25MAY
Winning Screenplay Announcement
mfilmlab-icon_LabMentorsLab Mentors
Nelu Handa

Nelu Handa

Writer, Actress & Producer

Jaffar Mahmood

Jaffar Mahmood

Director, Producer & Writer

Asis Sethi

Asis Sethi

Director, Producer & Writer

Raisa Ahmed

Raisa Ahmed

Writer & Director

Priyanka Shetty

Priyanka Shetty

Actress, Director & Writer

Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke

Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke

Director, Creator & Producer

Nelu Handa

Nelu Handa

Writer, Actress & Producer

EligibilityEligibility
The M Film Lab Spring 2023 Program welcomes American and Canadian writers who identify as South Asian or South Asian Descent.
To be considered South Asian, you or your ancestors must have come from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Application and participation in the film lab is free of charge.
To apply, you must complete the application process outlined below, including submitting a completed short film screenplay based on the guidelines provided below.
Applicants must confirm their full availability for the dates of the film lab workshops and events.
Applications must be completed and submitted before the deadline of March 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.
All applications must be completed through the process outlined below.
ApplicationsApplications
Applications are to be submitted using the Open Screenplay platform.
Applications are comprised of the 2 parts:
1
Applicant questionnaire.
2
15 page first draft short film screenplay based on the guidelines below.
Short-listed applicants may be asked to conduct a short video interview prior to confirmation.
Applications must be completed before March 15th, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.
Judging CriteriaJudging Criteria
In addition to compliance with the film lab’s eligibility requirements, submitted applications will be evaluated on a variety of factors including but not limited to originality, creativity, and structure. Applications are judged by a select committee of lab partners and mentors.
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONSIMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS
In addition to compliance with the film lab’s eligibility requirements, submitted applications will be evaluated on a variety of factors including but not limited to originality, creativity, and structure. Applications are judged by a select committee of lab partners and mentors.
No excessive use of CGI / animation
No remote or difficult to reach locations, or federal or private attractions like The Statue Of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, The Empire St. Building, CN Tower, Eiffel Tower, famous museums, etc.
No using of trademarks that belong to other people or companies
No use of existing characters, songs, logos, brands, etc.
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